The Suntory Music Foundation was established in 1969 with the objective of contributing to the development of western-style classical and contemporary music in Japan. In September 2009, the foundation is renamed to The Suntory Foundation for Arts, the activities of Suntory Museum of Art being integrated.
The main activities of the Music Division of The Suntory Foundation for Arts are the following.
This Award, in the amount of ¥7,000,000, is given each year to the person orgroup that, in the Foundation's judgment, made the most outstanding contri- bution during the previous year to the development of western style classical and contemporary music in Japan.
This prize, in the amount of ¥2,000,000, is given to the most challenging music performance of the year. It was created in 2001 after Keizo Saji, the founder of Suntory Music Foundation.
These concerts are held annually in Suntory Hall to introduce and popularize the works of the recipient of that year's Suntory Music Award.
To encourage and support young Japanese composers, this award, in the amount of ¥500,000, is given each year to one young composer's excellent work, followed by a commission of a new work to him/her. (commission fee ¥1,000,000).
The Foundation sponsors one-composer concerts as a means of introducing to the Japanese public outstanding works by contemporary Japanese composers.
Each year, one composer is singled out for this honor, and a representative selection of his/her compositions for orchestra are performed.
With the aim of development of Japanese Contemporary Music in Kansai area
(Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe), the Foundation sponsors each year music concert in Osaka, focused on one young Japanese composer, in collaboration with guest artist who is not necessary musician.
Since 1987, the Foundation sponsors each year "Summer Festival"concert series late August at Suntory Hall.
Contemporary Music Series consisting of "Music In Current" "Master Works of the 20th Century", "Focus on a Composer - Suntory Hall International Program for Music Composition"has been performed.
The Foundation has a continuous program of commissioning original compositions by Japanese composers.
The Foundation publishes a biennial bibliography on "Works by Japanese Composers" since 1980. Three latest editions are available by free down-load from the Web site.
