2025.3.4-6 4 lectures in Madrid
After the Lausanne performance of Noriko Baba’s opera “Nopera AOI”, I came to Madrid, Spain.
On March 4th, I gave a lecture at TAI Escuela Universitaria de Artes, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Spain.
I thought it would be held in a classroom, but suddenly I was on a stage like a live concert venue. 
The students were very enthusiastic and asked me many questions.
A British actress who is a professor at TAI University acted as the presenter.
My interview for social media was also filmed.
I found my poster.
My interview I gave previously has been published in TAI magazine. (There is an introduction about me from composer Bruno Dozza, a professor at TAI university, on page 41, and my interview continues on page 50.)
In the evening, I gave a lecture to the class of composer Fabian Panisello at La Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía.
Fabian is currently writing a piece for me. Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, who was in Madrid as a jury for the BBVA Foundation, also joined us.
On March 5th, I gave a lecture at the Department of Philology of Universidad Complutense de Madrid, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Spain.
The Department of Linguistics has East Asian Studies, and although there are no regular courses in Japanese Studies yet, with China as the main focus, there are also students taking Japanese courses and studying Japanese, so the audience listened attentively.
After the lecture, I had lunch with the president and other professors of East Asian Studies in the university cafeteria. It was fun to talk about various things. The school building was built in the 1920s, so you could really feel the history.
On March 6th, I gave a lecture at the the Department of Philosophy of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid organized by the Embassy of Japan in Spain.
The university is the most active in Japanese studies, and East Asian studies in Spain. Many Japanese studies professors were also in attendance, and students, especially those studying Japanese, listened intently to my lecture.
Afterwards, I was invited to the Japanese ambassador’s residence for lunch. Ambassador Takahiro Nakamae attends every opera performance at the Teatro Real, so I introduced him to Shoko Muraoka, the first violinist in the Real Orchestra. 
We had a very enjoyable conversation with the ambassador, who has a deep knowledge of music, and before we knew it, it was already evening. 
We also enjoyed delicious food and a fun time with First Secretary Midori Morita, who has always been so kind to me. It was a fulfilling stay in Madrid, with four lectures over three days.