On Thursday, 15 December 2022, Belgrade was marked by anime – Japanese animated films and series. In an excellent atmosphere in the Belgrade Youth Centre, as many as three concerts of the original concert spectacle that combines anime and classical music were held on the same day. The ‘Anime Symphony’ was presented for the first time in the capital, and it featured Japanese conductor Kenichi Shimura, the Serbian National Theatre Opera Orchestra and soloists Marija Cvijić (Serbia) and Ochi Chihiro (Japan).
At three sold-out concerts in a row, the audience enjoyed the music of famous anime and games, accompanied by animations projected on screen, as a significant addition. There were several dozen experienced opera musicians on stage, and this special artistic performance was under the baton of the mastermind behind the concept, Kenichi Shimura, who occasionally conducted the audience as well, as numerous fans sang along to certain melodies. At the end of all three concerts, Shimura waved the Serbian flag.
The concert was organized by the Belgrade Festivals Centre (CEBEF) in cooperation with the Serbian National Theatre.