The Maestro and the Monster- A concert celebrating Akira Ifukube and his Godzilla film music

Godzilla fanatics and music lovers are in for an extraordinary afternoon as the Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC) proudly presents “The Maestro and the Monster” on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the Nichols Concert Hall. Featuring an exceptional lineup of acclaimed Chicago-area classical artists, the concert promises a captivating program exploring powerful musical narratives and virtuosic performances. Doors will open at 3:00 PM, music at 3:30 PM.

Featured Artists

● Reiko Yamada: Principal Keyboardist of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

and faculty member at the Music Institute of Chicago, Yamada is celebrated

for her expressive interpretations and deep dedication to contemporary and

classical repertoire. Notably, Yamada studied piano directly under legendary

Japanese composer Akira Ifukube at the Tokyo College of Music for four

years. Her close mentorship under Ifukube deeply influenced her musical

philosophy and inspired her mastery of his works, including his striking piece

Ritmica Ostinata, which she champions worldwide.

● Patrick Godon: A versatile and accomplished artist who performs regularly as

a principal and orchestral keyboardist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,

Godon is also the founder and Artistic Director of the International Chamber

Artists (ICA) and Music Director of The Tower Chorale.

● Meghan Guse: A talented soprano whose diverse performance background

spans operatic roles, chamber music with groups like the Vox 3 Collective, and

an accomplished professional career balancing classical performance with

software engineering.

Event Details

● What: The Maestro and the Monster Concert

● When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | Doors at 3:00 PM, Concert at 3:30 PM

● Where: Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

● Tickets:

○ $30 – Members

○ $40 – Non-Members

○ $10 – Students

○ Tickets can be purchased online through the JASC website.

Join the JASC for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating world-class musicianship, rich

historical legacies, and brilliant artistry.

For more information, please visit www.jaschicago.org