Abe said Mahler's Symphony No. 2 was chosen among the concert pieces because of the “resurrection” aspect it symbolized.
Japan is recovering, thanks to the help of the world, and especially Taiwan, and hopefully through performing Mahler's piece, those living would be encouraged, while their friends who passed away could hear the heart-felt melodies the living sing for them, he said.
Also in the repertoire are six songs written by Kenji Miyazawa, a phenomenal Japanese poet who is also a promoter of peace. “We sing in streaming tears, and we sing because we cannot continue living in sadness,” choir conductor Sasaki Masatoshi, firmly said.
”We hope to deliver our gratitude in the form of our singing voices to our Taiwanese friends,” Sasaki said. Coming to Taiwan is a dream-come-true for the survivors, he said, bowing, “Thank you for all your help.”
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/foreign-affairs/2012/03/20/335176/Choir-of.htm
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