Takashi Kako Concert 'Traveler of the Galaxy: Kenji Miyazawa and Me' Announced!

Takashi Kako held his first 'piano solo concert' in seven years earlier this spring, from April to May. As a composer who only performs his own original works, his beautiful piano tone moved audiences to standing ovations. For his upcoming autumn concert, he has chosen a work titled 'Music Heard from Kenji,' where the 'words' from Kenji Miyazawa's poems and fairy tales meet Kako's music. Although it premiered in 1988, its successful revival in 2024 led to demands for an encore. This performance will feature readings by Kako's second son, Lion Kako, a voice actor and stage director, continuing the acclaimed father-son collaboration.

The concert will also feature iconic pieces such as 'Is Paris Burning?' (Paris wa Moeteiruka), the theme song from the NHK series 'The Century of Film.'

By arranging this work for the 'Takashi Kako Quartet' plus narration, this new version creates a unique stage where Kenji Miyazawa's words and Kako's music resonate like 'mental sketches,' bringing works like 'Gauche the Cello' (Kaze no Matasaburo) and 'Night on the Galactic Railroad' to life through musical crystallization.

'Kenji has always been an author who holds a special light or inner landscape for me,' says Kako. He finds a strong sense of yearning in Kenji's poetic thoughts, which he believes is the same energy that fuels the creation of his own music.

The concert program will feature the Takashi Kako Quartet in the first half, performing 'Is Paris Burning?' and other hits, while the second half will explore 'Music Heard from Kenji,' including pieces inspired by 'The Morning of Farewell,' 'Gauche the Cello,' and 'Night on the Galactic Railroad.'

Performers include Takashi Kako (piano), Mariko Aikawa (violin), Kaori Minami (viola), Akio Ueki (cello), with narration by Lion Kako.