Yosuke Iida to Headline Symphonic Concert ‘MAESTOSO’ Celebrating a Theatre Legend

Tokyo, Japan – Celebrated performer Yosuke Iida, known for his leading roles in global hits like Les Misérables, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera, will embark on a new artistic journey with a full orchestral concert, titled ‘MAESTOSO.’ The concert will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater Concert Hall, and on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Kyoto Concert Hall.

This landmark event marks a significant moment for the intersection of musical theatre and classical performance, allowing Iida to showcase his versatility beyond traditional stage productions. Iida consistently ranks as a top search term in Japan, demonstrating his enduring popularity according to Archyde.

From Shiki Theater to Symphony Hall

Iida’s career began with the prestigious Shiki Theater Company while still a student at Tokyo University of the Arts. He quickly rose to leading roles and has since become one of the few performers globally to have graced the stage as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, as well as major characters in Cats and The Phantom of the Opera – a feat rarely achieved in the world of musical theatre. More recently, his portrayal of Nick Massi in Jersey Boys garnered widespread acclaim.

‘MAESTOSO’ – A Majestic Performance

‘MAESTOSO,’ meaning “majestic” in musical terms, will feature numbers from classic musicals and a variety of songs that transcend genres. The concert will be accompanied by the overwhelming sound of an orchestra of over 50 people. The conductor will be Yuki Takai, a classmate of Iida’s from Tokyo University of the Arts. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at the Tokyo venue, while the Osaka Symphony Orchestra will perform in Kyoto. Billboard-cc.com reports arrangement supervision will be handled by Kosuke Yamashita.

Iida on the Concert

Iida expressed his excitement about the concert, stating it is his first full orchestra performance and an unprecedented experience. “As someone who has studied classical music, I’m looking forward to seeing the compatibility between the orchestra and the voice,” he said. He also noted the emotional connection of performing with Takai, a longtime friend and colleague.

“The profound feeling and thickness of the sound are different,” Iida explained. “If there are 50 people, there are 50 different ideas, so I’m sure Takai-kun will compile the ideas of everyone in the orchestra and create music together with me that will be spectacular.”

Early Beginnings and Inspiration

Iida’s passion for musical theatre began in junior high school when his music teacher showed the class a video of CATS performed in London. Inspired, he traveled to Nagoya to notice a Japanese production of CATS performed by the Shiki Theater Company. “When I saw the Japanese version of CATS performed by Shiki Theater Company right in front of my eyes, I thought, ‘I want to do this,’” he recalled.

Concert Details

• Tokyo Performance: Friday, July 3, 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Theater Concert Hall
• Kyoto Performance: Saturday, August 8, 2026, Kyoto Concert Hall Large Hall
• Official Website