British Winds & Ritual Purification

The famous Japanese professional wind orchestra, Osaka Shion, invited Douglas Bostock to conduct a special Regular Concert in Kyoto in October. Having worked with them once previously it was a happy reunion. In the first half of the concert were three works by Gustav Holst, and after the interval "A Cotswold Symphony" by Derek Bourgeoise.

The trip also gave Douglas Bostock the opportunity to visit Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Mie-ken, where he has been a member for 17 years, and undertake the purification ceremony "Misogi" again. In addition, it was a chance to meet up with many friends and students in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.