The Series

Kiniro no Corda (金色のコルダ), also known as La Corda d'oro, originated as a role-playing game as a part of Koei's NeoRomance series, and was released in 2004 for Playstation. A manga adaption soon followed in 2004, presented by Kure Yuki, and is currently serialized in the monthly LaLa magazine. An anime adaption followed in October 2006.

The story is set in present-day Seiso Academy, a school where students are divided into the General and Music departments. Every few years, a music competition is held, in which a handful of exceptional students (usually from the music department) are selected to participate. According to legends, a music fairy once acted as a bridge of love for two rival violinists in the competition.

The story begins with a surprise selection from the general department for the present competition. Hino Kahoko, the heroine of the story, is suddenly thrust into a world of music, love, and rivalry as she develops relationships with her fellow participants, and discovers a love for playing the violin.