Missa Johnouchi, one of UNESCO's Artists for Peace, is helping spread the message of harmony in Japan.
Along with UNESCO, The World Heritage Torch-Run Concert aims to bring pianist and conductor Johnouchi's musical talents and message of peace and harmony to an audience in Tokyo. The concert's proceeds will go to a charity in Afghanistan that helps educate children on the prevention of drug abuse and trafficking.
Studying in France under the tutelage of renowned composer and arranger Jean-Claude Petit, Johnouchi was named an "artist for peace" in 2006 and has been able to share her musical talents with the world in conjunction with the World Heritage Torch-Run Concert, a non-profit organization based in France. The collaboration has taken the pianist across the globe, and she has conducted national orchestras in China, Italy, Australia and the United States.
Johnouchi will be joined by guest musicians at the performance, including students from the Toho College of Music.
The event's name stems from a comment made by a 14-year-old girl during a back-stage visit in 2000 that she hoped Johnouchi's musical message of peace could spread across the world much like an Olympic torch run.
The World Heritage Torch-Run Concert will take place Nov. 22 at Kudan Kaikan in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. For more information, call (03) 3984-1133 or visit www.wh-trc.org.