On Friday, March 14th, Keiichiro Shibuya will hold a concert at the Grand Palais, a large-scale art museum in Paris, France.

This concert is part of the closing events for Chiharu Shiota’s exhibition “The Soul Trembles,” which will conclude on Wednesday, March 19th.

At the opening of the event, Shibuya’s sound installation work “Abstract Music,” which realizes “an ever-changing soundscape that never repeats,” will resonate throughout the venue. Alongside this, a poetry reading will overlap with the music, generated by an AI program created by the up-and-coming artist Hirofumi Kishi, which continuously produces poetry. Audience members will be able to walk freely through the space, experiencing a new form of art blending music and AI in the unique setting of an art museum.

The concert, titled “MIRROR Ghost,” presents an apocalyptic concept by stripping away the symbolism and iconic elements of Shibuya’s past “Android Opera”—such as physical androids and human orchestras—and replacing them with artificial expressions, making them appear like “ghosts.” Synthetic vocals and artificial orchestras will be played through surround speakers, enveloping the audience. In an atmosphere of alternating sophisticated lighting effects and mist, projections will cast lyrics floating in the air, allowing only immaterial elements to emerge like “ghosts” in the darkness. The sole “human performance” will be Shibuya’s delicate piano playing, serving as a metaphor for a human facing the end of the world.

Furthermore, this project aims to foster the development of young creators and promote their international experience. It involves not only artists but also creators aspiring to become stage staff and producers. By collaborating with local venues, artists, and staff, the project encourages hands-on international experience and the building of global networks.

ABOUT

Date : 14th, March, 2025　Open 20:30 / Start 21:00

Venue : Grand Palais

CREDIT

Piano, Electronics, Composition : Keiichiro Shibuya

Lighting, Video, Stage Design : MFO、Ruben Spini

Sound Design : Unisson design, Yuki Suzuki

Sound Programming : Shintaro Imai

AI Programming : Yuma Kishi

Executive Production : Hyphen

Production : ATAK

Co-production : Grand Palais RMN

Supported by: Fund for the Promotion of Cultural and Artistic Activities (Creator Development and Cultural Facility Value Enhancement Project) | Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan Japan Arts Council