Sendai Classical Music Festival (Sencla)

A music festival that brings classical music to venues throughout Sendai. Since its launch in 2006, it has become an annual fall tradition, presenting a wide variety of orchestral, chamber music, and recital programs over three days.

One of its main attractions is how easily visitors can fit a classical concert into a day of sightseeing or a trip without treating it as a formal occasion. Performances generally last either 45 or 60 minutes and take place from morning through evening. Visitors can attend a concert between sightseeing and meals or combine several performances that interest them to suit their own schedules. The festival also features programs that are accessible to classical music beginners, as well as family-friendly performances that children can easily attend.

Another distinctive feature of Sencla is that the city of Sendai itself becomes the festival stage. Performances are held primarily at several cultural facilities and feature a diverse lineup of musicians, including members of the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, artists associated with the Sendai International Music Competition, and performers active in the local community. The festival is also supported by local volunteers, creating a warm atmosphere in which music brings people and the city together.

Explore Sendai, known as the City of Trees, while savoring local cuisine and taking in the cityscape, then step into a nearby venue and discover a memorable performance. Let this event, where the character of the city blends with music, introduce you to the pleasures of classical music in Japan.