Japan Society Hosts Zorn@60 Concert Celebration Tonight

Japan Society is proud to host groundbreaking artists John Zorn and Ryuichi Sakamoto for an improvisatory pair of currently sold-out performances tonight, October 4 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. This evening represents the final performance in the multi-show Zorn@60 celebration, commemorating John Zorn'skanreki, his sixtieth birthday; coinciding with the Japan Society Performing Arts Program's sixtieth anniversary celebration.

In Japanese tradition, kanreki is a special celebration of longevity and rebirth, honoring a lifetime of accomplishments, taking stock of achievements, and diving into the future with renewed drive and reinvigorated purpose. Zorn's kanreki celebration began earlier this year and has echoed throughout many of New York City's most august venues, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center Festival and Works & Process at the Guggenheim Museum.

John Zorn's relationship with Japan Society has been meaningful and storied. He has curated four Tzadik Label Music Series concerts at Japan Society, featuring artists such as Yamataka Eye, Haino Keiji, Yuka Honda, Miho Hatori, Afrirampo, Ikue Mori, Koichi Makigami, Mike Patton, Jim O'Rourke, Guy Klucevsek and Steve Gorn. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, Zorn organized numerous benefit concerts around the city (including Concert for Japan held at Japan Society on April 9, 2011 featuring Sakamoto, Zorn, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Bill Laswell and Philip Glass) and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of the disasters.

Zorn is joined onstage by his contemporary and sometimes collaborator, the innovative Ryuichi Sakamoto. Both artists are renowned for their eclectic tastes and musical inventiveness. This evening's concerts offer an entirely improvisational duet between these two icons.

Both the 7:30 pm and 9:30pm Zorn/Sakamoto shows are currently sold out. Please note that additional tickets may become available after September 17; please call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258 to inquire.

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