#Japan #Tokyo #Arnold Dreyblatt #Experimental Music

Experience the Mastery of Experimental Music in Tokyo

This winter, Tokyo will host a groundbreaking event presented by the experimental music platform MODE. On December 18, 2025, Arnold Dreyblatt will stage his renowned ensemble project, The Orchestra of Excited Strings, at the Goethe-Institut Tokyo in Akasaka. This concert marks a significant return for Dreyblatt, who last performed in Japan in 2017.

About The Orchestra of Excited Strings

Founded in 1979 in New York, The Orchestra of Excited Strings has undergone transformations over the decades yet has remained committed to evolving its unique sound and methodology. Dreyblatt, a pioneering figure in the second generation of New York’s minimalist music scene, has collaborated with legends such as Pauline Oliveros, La Monte Young, and Alvin Lucier. His approach focuses on creating immersive soundscapes that resonate physically with listeners through his innovative instrument, the Excited Strings.

The upcoming performance will feature an extraordinary group of five musicians, including current ensemble members Konrad Sprenger—a Berlin-based composer/instrument creator—Joachim Schütz, a guitarist and improviser, and long-time collaborator Jim O’Rourke, among others. Notably, Eiko Ishibashi, a celebrated Japanese musician known for her eclectic style, will also join as a special guest, marking a rare convergence of talents.

A Unique Cultural Exchange

The concert not only highlights Dreyblatt’s artistry but also celebrates international cultural exchange, a key initiative supported by the Goethe-Institut Tokyo. This institution aims to promote language learning and discussions around societal themes in various cultural contexts.

With his latest album Resolve released under the ensemble's name and a collaborative project with the experimental band Horse Lords set to drop on November 21, 2025, Dreyblatt’s visit aligns perfectly with his current creative trajectory.

The Performers

Konrad Sprenger is not only a pivotal member of Dreyblatt’s ensemble but also an accomplished artist known for his innovative sound installations and performances. His works often incorporate computer-controlled electric guitars and have gained significant acclaim at events like the CTM Festival.

Joachim Schütz has immersed himself in Germany’s underground and experimental music scenes since the early 1990s. With a versatile background, he has collaborated with various artists across genres, further enriching the ensemble’s sound.

Jim O’Rourke, familiar to global listeners through bands like Sonic Youth and Wilco, brings a wealth of experience in music production and collaboration with both American and Japanese artists, blending influences that resonate throughout the performance.

Completing the ensemble is Eiko Ishibashi, whose musical explorations span multiple styles and whose recent collaborations and soundtracks for film have garnered her international recognition.

Concert Details

• - Date & Time: December 18, 2025 (Thursday) | Doors open at 18:00, performance starts at 19:00.
• - Venue: Goethe-Institut Tokyo, 7-5-56 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo.
• - Tickets: Priced at ¥5,500, available through e-plus.

This concert promises to be a remarkable evening, not just of music but as a moment for cultural exploration and artistic synergy.

For more updates, follow MODE on Instagram or reach out via email at [email protected].