Two Musicians to Join Symphony in Japan

Two highly respected Costa Ricanmusicians will be joining the NationalSymphony on its landmark tour ofJapan in September, Minister ofCulture Guido Sáenz announced at apress conference May 6.The two new entrants are world famouspianist Jacques Sagot, whomSáenz referred to as nothing less than“the best pianist in Costa Rica,” andIvette Rojas, a distinguished sopranosoloist currently with the ChamberOpera of Costa Rica.Sagot, who attended the conferencewith Sáenz and symphony directorChosei Komatsu, said the inclusionin the trip was “a privilege, a greathonor and a challenge as well.”Komatsu, who is from Japan, said“it has always been a dream” to bringthe symphony to his home country.The symphony will play concertsin four different venues in Japan, Sept.8, 9, 11 and 12. It will play much ofthe same concert at its closing performancein the National Theater on Aug.18, Sáenz said.