Inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix: Future Chapter,” a one-night-only, completely original performance produced by Jeff Mills is set to take the stage.
Centered on the themes of eternal life and reincarnation, the story of “The Firebird” is brought to life through grand music. Through a collaboration featuring Hiromi Uehara on piano and LEO on koto, electronic, piano, and traditional instruments intertwine to portray the universal message of the original work as a new musical narrative for the modern era.
The Future of “The Firebird” as Envisioned by Jeff Mills
Jeff Mills is a pioneer of “Detroit techno,” considered the origin of modern electronic music. In recent years, he has actively pursued collaborations not only in music but also in contemporary art, and was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Pianist Hiromi Uehara made her global debut in 2003 with *Another Mind*. She won a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Jazz Album” in 2011 and performed at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Opening Ceremony. In 2023, she won the “Best Music” award at the 47th Japan Academy Film Prize for the film *BLUE GIANT*.
Koto player LEO has garnered attention for his genre-defying, borderless activities. He began playing the koto at age 9 and, at 16, became the youngest-ever recipient of the Grand Prize and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the Kumamoto National Traditional Music Competition. He subsequently enrolled at the Tokyo University of the Arts.
The three performers have commented on this performance as follows.
“The phase transitions of the environment and Osamu Tezuka’s seemingly whimsical imagery are precisely the best way for us humans to express it. Just like the story in ‘Future Chapter,’ there are certainly elements there that point toward hope.” (Jeff Mills)
“I’m really looking forward to the universe that Jeff Mills, myself, and koto player LEO will create within the world of ‘The Firebird.’ I want to go out and capture something that can only be born in that moment, while taking in the atmosphere of the new art museum.” (Hiromi Uehara)
“I’m really looking forward to hearing how the koto sounds within the grand soundscape created by Jeff Mills. It’s an honor to weave the story of ‘The Firebird’ through music alongside Hiromi Uehara on the same stage.” (LEO)
