International educational
Pacific Music Festival Sapporo
Enjoying PMF
Perhaps you are unsure of just how to approach your first PMF experience. We will explain several potential issues, in simple terms, to ensure that it's more understandable and enjoyable. Let's start with "how to prepare."
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What is PMF?
"PMF" stands for the "Pacific Music Festival," which is an international educational music festival whose purpose is to foster the young musicians of the world. It was formed in 1990 through the advocacy of leading 20th century American musician Leonard Bernstein. "Pacific" refers to "peace," expressing Bernstein's desire to contribute to world peace through music education.
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When does PMF take place?
The 2024 festival runs for almost a month, from July 10 (Wed) to 30 (Tue). Sapporo summers are mild and refreshing; the festival always takes place in Sapporo's most enjoyable season.
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Where does PMF take place?
Concerts are held mainly in Sapporo, including Concert Hall Kitara, the Sapporo Art Park and more, but also in various other places in Hokkaido.
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How much does it cost to attend a concert?
Ticket prices range from free to ¥9,000. For designated concerts, anyone born in 1999 or later who presents ID will receive a discount. Prices vary according to seat type (S seat, A seat, B seat, etc.). Since PMF is an educational music festival, even concerts featuring famous artists can be enjoyed at a reasonable price.
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Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets can be purchased through Sapporo's various ticket agencies or the PMF Organizing Committee (directly or online). Also, in some cases "Day-of Tickets" are available.
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How do I choose which concerts to attend?
Maybe you're not familiar with the pieces being performed, the composers, or the performers. No need to worry. Perhaps the following will help you choose:
＜Start with the free concerts＞
In general, Outreach Concerts, which take place at public facilities (primarily in Sapporo), are free to attend. If paying to attend a concert seems a bit much, these offer a simple alternative. -
What is the GALA Concert?
The PMF GALA Concert marks the season's final concert at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. "Gala" refers to a festive occasion, and this concert is accordingly longer than most, featuring many different performers and a wide variety of pieces. Why not dress up a bit and spend a Sunday afternoon at this glamorous concert?
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What is the Picnic Concert?
The Picnic Concert takes place at the Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage, from midday until evening, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Feel free to enjoy food and drinks as you sit in the grass and enjoy the music. Soak up the music in any way you please. As long as you hang on to your ticket stub, you can enter and exit freely. Babies are also welcome, and a nursing tent will be set up. There are some seats with umbrellas for those worried about the sun or rain.
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Which venue do you recommend ~ for a date? ~
Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. Explore Nakajima Park in the mild and pleasant summer breeze, and head for Kitara. Enjoy a meal before or after the concert; there are lots of restaurants in the area, and even inside Kitara itself. With a dignified air, this hall offers a wonderful atmosphere in which to enjoy a concert.
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Which venue do you recommend ~ as a family? ~
The Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage. Bring your children along and enjoy a concert as a family. The Picnic Concert, for example, allows you to indulge in a daylong concert; go for a walk, try the restaurant, and of course listen to music, all while surrounded by nature's beauty.
- For more on concerts at this venue, see the following:
- Picnic Concert
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What should I wear?
Dress as you please! There are grassy areas and hills at the Sapporo Art Park, so walking shoes are probably best. It's sometimes cooler than might be expected at outdoor concerts, so something like a light jacket or sweater might be a good idea. The PMF Gala Concert is the final concert at Kitara, so something appropriate for a celebration, maybe slightly more formal than usual, might help you to enjoy the festivities even more.
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What kind of transportation to these venues is available?
Public transportation is recommended. Even venues where parking is available have limited space, and since it's high season, traffic may become congested in areas around some of these venues. When concerts are held at the Sapporo Art Park, shuttle buses, timed along with the concert starting and ending times, are available (for a fee).
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May I bring my baby along?
Children not yet of elementary-school age are generally not allowed to attend concerts that take place in concert halls, but Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara offers a childcare service (for a fee) on concert days. And there are no age restrictions for concerts at Sapporo Art Park, so anyone and everyone can attend! In addition, certain free concerts have no age restrictions; please feel free to contact us for more information.
Childcare Services
At concerts hosted by PMF at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, a childcare facility within Kitara is available, for a fee, for children from around 6 months to pre-elementary age. Advance reservations are required; mention your reservation at the reception desk on the day of the concert.
Reservations / Inquiries: Sapporo Sitter Services
TEL. 011-281-0511 -
What if I'm late for the concert?
You will not be allowed to enter the venue while the performance is ongoing. However, you may enter between movements and/or pieces, or during applause; an attendant will assist you. Also, please understand that your tickets unfortunately cannot be refunded if you miss the concert.
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Are there any listening-related manners that
I should know about?
- Please listen quietly.
- No food or drink is allowed in the venues (with the exception of the Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Stage).
- Please make absolutely sure that your cell phone is turned off.
- If seating is designated, you are not allowed to change seats. Even if seating isn't designated, you are not allowed to change seats after the concert has begun.
- For various reasons, including copyright issues, no photography or recording of any kind is allowed.
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When do I clap?
In general, when one entire piece ends and its reverberation in the hall has died down, applause begins. However, there may be times when it's difficult to know whether an entire piece has finished, and sometimes a piece starts up again after it seems to have finished, so if it's your first time it might be best to follow those around you.
* Of course, applause is simply a way for the audience to express emotion, and it is by no means mandatory.
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Is there a break in the middle?
In longer concerts, an intermission is included in the program. For example, a roughly 2-hour concert at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara would include a 20-minute intermission.