Nomura marks 100 years with LSO commission

Nomura has marked its 100th anniversary by commissioning a new orchestral work that received its world premiere during the London Symphony Orchestra's Japan Tour 2026.

The financial services firm sponsored the orchestra's latest tour of Japan and commissioned internationally acclaimed composer Dai Fujikura to create Amber Alchemy, which debuted at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on 28 September under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano.

The commission forms part of Nomura's centenary celebrations and builds on a relationship with the London Symphony Orchestra that dates back to 1989, when the firm first sponsored an LSO concert in London.

Over the past century, Nomura said it has sought to create value through the financial markets and viewed the commission as an opportunity to support the creation of new music for future generations.

The inspiration behind Amber Alchemy came from Nomura's beekeeping activities on the rooftop of its London office. According to the firm, "Amber" refers to the colour of honey, while "alchemy" represents transformation.

"The work explores how different elements can come together to create something new, in the same way that bees work together to turn nectar into honey," Nomura said.

The firm drew parallels between the collaboration required within an orchestra and the collective effort of a bee colony, adding that both demonstrate "the importance of working together to create value - an idea that is central to finance."

Nomura said the commission reflects its commitment to both tradition and innovation, while supporting the creation of music that could endure for the next century.

As part of the launch, Nomura Group CEO Kentaro Okuda and Fujikura recorded a discussion exploring the background to the commission, the inspiration behind the work and the similarities between a bee colony and an orchestra.