Casio Unveils Akiko Piano Digital Sound Source at 2026 Martha Argerich Festival in Germany

Casio's Historic Contribution to Music Technology at the Martha Argerich Festival

In a cultural milestone for music, Casio Computer Co., Ltd. marked the European debut of its digital sound source known as the Piano d'Akiko at the prestigious Martha Argerich Festival held in Hamburg, Germany, from June 20 to June 30, 2026. This groundbreaking event highlights the intersection of music, history, and technology, showcasing Casio's commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The Piano d'Akiko is not just any musical instrument. It has a storied past dating back to 1926, when it was originally created. Tragically, this upright piano was damaged during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. After an extensive restoration completed in 2005, it has been a symbol of peace and resilience, having been played by prominent musicians including the renowned pianist, Martha Argerich. This festival served as the ideal venue to present its digital reincarnation, aimed at ensuring the music of this historical piano is accessible to future generations.

To achieve this, Casio meticulously recorded the sound from each of the 88 keys of the original piano through its innovative Piano d'Akiko Digital Instrument Sound Project. The resultant digital sound source offers an authentic auditory experience that reflects the unique timbre of the historic piano. During the festival, visitors had the chance to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand at a dedicated CASIO CELVIANO booth located in Laeiszhalle, where the sound of the Piano d'Akiko was reproduced through the advanced digital pianos offered by Casio.

The festival takeaways were monumental, with numerous attendees praising the project’s inspirational objectives and expressing enthusiasm about the digital recreation of the Piano d'Akiko sound. A significant highlight occurred on June 27, when the digital sound source found its place in the musical score of a theatrical piece titled Le Facteur de Nagasaki. Pianist Akane Sakai brought the piece to life, delivering a stunning performance live on a CELVIANO, mesmerizing the audience.

Adding to this historic moment, on June 29, the Piano d'Akiko - Concerto for Piano No. 4 composed by Dai Fujikura premiered during a symphonic concert. The piece, inspired by the rich history of the Piano d'Akiko, was performed by Sakai utilizing the digital sound source through the CELVIANO. The audience's reaction was electric, leading to a standing ovation that underscored the emotional power of the performance.

This project reflects a revolutionary approach to cultural heritage preservation, demonstrating how digital technology can be harnessed to both record and perpetuate the sound of a historical piano, effectively transmitting it to future audiences. Casio remains dedicated to ensuring the legacy of cultural artifacts is upheld through musical technology, echoing the universal desire for peace that the Piano d'Akiko symbolizes.

In summary, Casio's efforts at the Martha Argerich Festival not only celebrated an iconic instrument’s enduring legacy but also showcased the advanced technologies that can bring historical sounds into the modern age. The digital sound of the Piano d'Akiko is more than just a sound; it is a message of hope and remembrance that can resonate across generations and borders.