#Japan #Milan #Komorebi #Earth ∞ Pieces #AllegroModerato

'Earth ∞ Pieces' Project Heads to Milan

The Japanese cultural collaboration project, 'Earth ∞ Pieces', is all set to present its second chapter in Milan, Italy, on March 15, 2026. This compelling initiative has been officially recognized as part of the cultural program for the 2026 Winter Paralympics and will take place at the historic Teatro dal Verme, a venue renowned for its deep ties to classical music.

Background of the Project

The essence of 'Earth ∞ Pieces' lies in its vision of creating a society where everyone can participate in music irrespective of disabilities, age, or musical backgrounds. Inspired by Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', this one-day participatory music event invites individuals with diverse experiences to come together and perform. The project was conceptualized by Ryo Kurisu, an artistic director affiliated with the SLOW LABEL, who had previously overseen the planning of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic opening ceremony focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). His aim was to conceive a new cultural model that transcends boundaries and allows everyone to engage actively in the artistic domain.

Under the musical direction of Shuta Hasunuma, who arranged and conducted the Paralympic anthem during the Tokyo 2020 ceremony, the world premiere in Yokohama invited 28 participants aged between 10 and 60. This eclectic group, affected by varying circumstances such as illness, childcare, or work commitments, collaborated to produce a momentous performance that reverberated as a 'musical experience of diversity and harmony'. A special archive site has documented this remarkable event.

Milan Performance Details

The upcoming Milan show aims to encapsulate the inclusive spirit by collaborating with Allegro Moderato, a music school composed of 120 musicians with disabilities. Additionally, the non-profit cultural organization, Komorebi, known for its commitment to the principle of giving a second life to all things, will play a vital role in this initiative. Open calls will solicit players from Italy, Japan, and nations worldwide to partake in this unique cultural experience.

The Teatro dal Verme is a significant cultural landmark with a seating capacity of around 1,400, having previously hosted early works by legendary composers like Verdi and Puccini. This performance marks the first-ever attempt by this Japanese art project to grace such an illustrious stage. Further details about player recruitment are set to be unveiled on the SLOW LABEL official website in early December.

Commemorative Event in Tokyo

To commemorate the confirmation of the Milan performance, a special lecture will take place at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on December 5, 2025. This lecture will provide a platform to share the project’s ideals and practical insights with experts and practitioners. The Director of Allegro Moderato, Luca Bardan, alongside Ryo Kurisu, will share their experiences in fostering social collaboration through music and the Italian-Japanese approaches to creating a society where everyone can participate.

Event Details

• - Date: December 5, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (6:30 PM registration)
• - Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Large Conference Room (1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station's Park Exit)
• - Speakers: Ryo Kurisu (SLOW LABEL) and Luca Bardan (Allegro Moderato)
• - Fee: Free Admission
• - Capacity: Approximately 50 participants (advance registration required, first-come basis)
• - Target Audience: Music workshop leaders, facilitators, orchestra members, and professionals in the field of music who are actively pursuing inclusive cultural activities and education.

Registration will be open from November 12, 2025, until December 4, 2025, or until full capacity is reached. Interested parties can find further information and registration forms through the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan official website.

For inquiries regarding 'Earth ∞ Pieces vol.2 Milano', please reach out to the SLOW LABEL non-profit organization at:

• - Phone/Fax: 045-642-6132 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Official Website: www.slowlabel.info