Born in Aichi, Japan and based in Sydney, Sadaharu Muramatsu has been an artistic director for various Orchestra both within Australia and Japan.
Known as "Sada", Mr Muramatsu has been residing in Australia under a Distinguished Talent visa granted by the Australian Government for his achievements as a conductor.
His most recent achievements include Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations (2019) and Consul-General of Japan’s Commendation Award in Sydney (2018).
Craig Giles, President of Strathfield Symphony Orchestra says, Sada has "stretched the orchestra in our repertoire and playing ability" over the past 10 years.
Source: Strathfield Symphony Orchestra
"Sada is the most well rehearsed person in the orchestra, and comes to us with a very clear vision of what he wants to bring out of a work and how he wants to do that (technique backs up the theory). He always does this in the most nurturing way I have ever encountered with a conductor, and everything is done with grace, humility and humour"
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Sadaharu Muramatsu, conductor
However like most in the entertainment and music industry, 2020 was a challenging year for the orchestra. All concerts were cancelled, and the restrictions prohibited the group to practice as a full orchestra.
"Our players are generally amateur musicians and without the weekly orchestra rehearsal, most of us don't get to play very often" says Laura Jamieson, secretary and orchestra manager.
By Spring however, the orchestra began to get together in small groups outdoors. Although the wind was often their enemy, " the ability to get together, see another person we were not living with and beginning to play music brought us all sheer joy" says Craig.
Sada says, while it was frustrating to not be able to practice, the experience made him realize the "beauty of music once again".
Nothing stopped the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra from practicing during the coronavirus pandemic Source: Strathfield Symphony Orchestra
"Everyone is looking forward to going back on the stage"
The 2021 premiere of A Return to Music, scheduled for Sunday the 28th, is "a concert with special meaning" .
To celebrate Sada's 10 years at Strathfield Symphony Orchestra, this year's program will have distinctly Japanese flavour.
"I am very proud to show case some Japanese composer's music for the first time in Australia"
Laura says, she is particularly looking forward to the Anime themed concert in November.
"I think this will attract a whole new audience that may not have considered attending a symphony concert before"
