Sakamoto’s 1996

**Sakamoto’s 1996** Step into the world of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s masterful “1996” in a concert film that fuses the shimmering sounds of a chamber orchestra with the electrifying energy of the Bang on a Can All‑Stars. This extraordinary collaboration brings together Vicky Chow on piano, David Cossin on percussion, Arlen Hlusko on cello, Mark Stewart on guitar, and Ken Thomson on clarinet—each musician weaving their unique voice into a tapestry of minimalism, pop, and cinematic romance. Inspired by the sonic landscapes of jazz, pop, and the avant‑garde vision of Steve Reich, Michael Gordon, David Lang, Julia Wolfe and the Dutch pioneer Louis Andriessen, the program celebrates Sakamoto’s groundbreaking work—from the iconic “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” that introduced him to the world in 1983, to the evocative scores for “The Sheltering Sky” (1990), “The Wuthering Heights”, “The Revenant” (2015), and many more. The 1996 album, where Sakamoto reimagined his film scores for a classical piano trio, now breathes new life in this live crossover setting, marking the first European premiere of his arrangements. The Bang on a Can All‑Stars—known for blending the powerful punch of a rock band with the intricate precision of a chamber ensemble—deliver a fiercely combative, exhilarating performance that pays homage to the film composer’s legacy. As the New York Times put it, the group “combining the power and punch of a rock band with the precision and clarity of a chamber ensemble.” **Highlights from the setlist** - A Day a Gorilla Gives a Banana - Rain - Bibo no Aozora - The Last Emperor - M.A.Y. in The Backyard - The Sheltering Sky - A Tribute to N.J.P. - 1919 - High Heels (Main Theme) - Aoneko no Torso - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - The Wuthering Heights Experience a cinematic concert that marries cinema and music, and witness Sakamoto’s spellbinding compositions reinterpreted by some of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Tickets are on sale—secure your seat for an unforgettable journey through sound.