Mobile Concert Hall for Devastated Regions in Japan
Music as a way to bring hope and promise to survivors of the massively catastrophic earthquake of 11 March 2011 and those mourning the loss of loved ones: this is the central idea and goal of the new project called ARK NOVA – A Tribute to Higashi Nihon. Star Japanese architect Arata Isozaki will collaborate with the British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor to develop a mobile concert hall in which high-quality artistic performances will be able to be held, beginning in the summer of 2012, in various locations around the affected region. The project was initiated by LUCERNE FESTIVAL together with the Japanese artist agency Kajimoto.
A devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Higashi Nihon in the Tohuku region of northern Japan on 11 March 2011. Large-scale national as well as international aid has enabled much to be accomplished in the way of reconstruction efforts, which are now in full swing. Even so, the people of the region are continuing to suffer from the consequences of the catastrophe – direct and indirect – and to grieve for family and friends. The project that we have named ARK NOVA – A Tribute to Higashi Nihon aims to bring the people of this region renewed hope and to restore their confidence through music and art.
Arata Isozaki, one of the most sought-after architects in the world today, is directing the creation of a mobile concert hall that can be transported to various locations within the devastated region. The multi-part construction will consist of a flexible material that can allow for rapid assembly and dismantling. For this project, Arata Isozaki will collaborate closely with the British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. The latter will be responsible for the design of the building envelope. Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics is responsible for the acoustic design of the hall, and David Staples of Theatre Projects London will act as a consultant for the décor.
The hall, which will be called ARK NOVA, will offer a unique platform for performances and presentations in the areas of classical music, jazz, and dance, as well as for multimedia and interdisciplinary art projects by leading artists and ensembles from around the world. An artistic committee made up of distinguished figures will assist in designing the programs. The events are expected to be completely funded by sponsors and patrons so that the region’s populace will have free access to all performances
Claudio Abbado and the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA will play the “Adagio” from the Tenth Symphony by Gustav Mahler to commemorate the victims of the catastrophic earthquake of 11. March 2011 in Japan and those mourning the loss of loved ones.
With this as a framework, the new project ARK NOVA – A Tribute to Higashi Nihon will be presented to the public.
We cordially invite you to attend this event on TUESDAY, 9 AUGUST 2011, FROM 12.00 – 1.30 p.m. AT THE KKL LUZERN.
LUCERNE FESTIVAL expresses immense gratitude to the KKL Luzern for its partnership and support in this regard.
Notes:
The event will be conducted in English. Participation is free.
Owing to limited space, tickets will be assigned according to availability and are required for access. Special seat requests cannot unfortunately be taken into consideration.
Tickets cannot be reserved via telephone. For the rest, the general terms and conditions of LUCERNE FESTIVAL apply.
Requests for ticket reservations containing full contact information (Name, address, mobile number, e-mail address) should be sent by e-mail to: ark-nova@lucernefestival.ch
Please note that ticket orders are only possible until noon on 08 August 2011.
30 July 2011