The Sapporo Symphony Orchestra will be giving the entire proceeds of its concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 23 to benefit the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The orchestra, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will give a concert under its principal conductor Tadaaki Otaka. The programme comprises Takemitsu’s How Slow the Wind, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1 – with the Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai – and Shostakovich’s Symphony No 5.

'It was an unforeseen and terrible disaster, from which all Japanese people are working extremely hard to recover. We, the musicians, wish to turn our London appearance into a charity concert in aid of the vital relief efforts in our country. Please join us and help Japan,' commented Tadaaki Otaka.

The concert is supported by Askonas Holt and the Southbank Centre.

For tickets (£10-£35) contact the Southbank Centre (0844 875 0073) or via the website