Tokyo University of Arts - Sogakudo Concerts 2025

A historical and traditional power spot, a calming place

Very good acoustics

Music college hall. Naturally, there are no services such as food and drink corners. The acoustics are standard and the hall itself is not very attractive. However, since it is an art university hall, it is attractive that elaborate performances are sometimes lined up. However, it is for enthusiasts among classical fans who are said to be enthusiasts. Furthermore, since it is located within the University of the Arts, there are art school-related statues all over the place.

It's about a 15-minute walk from the terminal station, Ueno Station, so it's a little more inconvenient than Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, which is right in front of the ticket gate, but I guess that's why people who really like it gather there. Also, since the faculty, students, and students of the University of the Arts come to listen as a place to learn, they are very serious, relaxed, and seem to be having fun. Therefore, there will be no silly laughing, hugging, or photo-taking of elderly people in the venue like at the ``Music Festival'' at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on April 2021. When the soloists who performed in the first half made their way to the audience seats to listen to the second half, they exchanged simple and modest greetings before taking their seats. I got a very smart impression. Although we are in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, the guidelines have been abolished, and infection prevention measures must be taken at the discretion of each individual (as of May 2024). It's great that there are announcements to prevent the spread of infection, such as refraining from talking when not doing so, and wearing a mask when cheering like Bravo. Half of the audience is wearing masks. While other theaters and halls are quite sloppy and give the impression of a festival, I think this was a proper response and consideration. In terms of acoustics, the back rows and balcony seats are better. If you're in the front, it feels like the sound is going over your head. It also appears that no cell phone deterrent device has been installed in this hall, so the ringtone rings out. A rare violation of manners these days. This visitor was also an elderly male passenger sitting in the 26th row. Even after I turned off the ringtone, I didn't turn off my smartphone and continued to operate it, so the light from the screen was annoying. During the coronavirus pandemic, there were customers who weren't wearing masks, customers whose smartphones were ringing, and a woman who appeared to be his wife, but I wondered if the other people weren't paying attention. Another problem is that the seat numbers are difficult to read. It is easier to understand if it is displayed on the ``front'' side of the backrest, rather than on the ``back'' side.

This is a music hall located on the grounds of Tokyo University of the Arts. Although this hall is for internal use, it may be used by the public for some concerts. I had the opportunity to listen to a general concert at this hall, so this review is from that time. The former Sogakudo Hall has been relocated and is located outside of the Tokyo University of the Arts grounds. The current concert hall is a hall with a seating capacity of 1,100. The hall is shoebox-shaped and has a gentle slope from the front row seats, so you can see the stage clearly from every seat. There is a pipe organ in the front center of the hall. The interior of the hall has a classy interior made of wood. The seats are hard but comfortable. The left and right sides of the seats are a little narrow for modern halls, but the front and back feel like they have enough space. The cushions on the seats are thin and sparse, but this is probably to minimize the amount of sound-absorbing items brought into the hall to ensure reverberation time. The floors in the hall are all made of wood, and there are no carpeted areas. As soon as you step inside the hall, you can hear that it has a long reverberation. When you clap your hands in the hall, you can hear the sound trailing off and attenuating. The reverberation is long and beautiful, so the orchestra strings and woodwind instruments have a glossy and beautiful sound. Because there are a lot of indirect sounds, the attack sound of the brass instruments feels weak, and the entire orchestra sounds in beautiful harmony. Individual sounds of instruments may be difficult to hear in isolation. The hall was a perfect match for classical to romantic music, and Beethoven's symphonies sounded elegant. The hall is new, so barrier-free access is no problem. (The restroom is underground, but there is an elevator.) Although it is a hall on campus, I think it can be said that it is one of the best halls in Tokyo in terms of acoustics. It's a hall with great sound, so I'd like it to be widely used for general concerts.