WFIMC : You are actually a musician?
Chihiro Nishioka : I studied and graduated in music, as a flute player. But it was quite clear for me that I would be in management and so I began working in the management of the Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra. Later I moved to the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, one of the main orchestras in Osaka. I stayed there for eight years, producing concerts for them.
But somehow you came to the Kobe Competition….
Yes, I was approached by the KOBE Cultural Foundation as they were looking to strengthen their team.
The foundation has rearranged the flute competition structure, which is a good sign: more importance is given to this event. As you may know, the foundation is not only managing the competition, but also a concert hall, a Kobe City Philharmonic Chorus, and the Kobe City Chamber Orchestra. Until now, the cultural promotion team had been responsible for the flute competition, but there is now a separate project team, which will make work much easier.
