In commemoration of the second anniversary of the late world-renowned film composer and environmental activist Ryuichi Sakamoto, the “Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute Concert” will take place on October 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, who passed away on March 28, 2023, was a pioneering musical genius. In the 1980s, he co-founded the group Y.M.O., gaining worldwide popularity with electronic music. In 1983, he entered the film industry as both an actor and composer with “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” Later, in 1989, he composed the score for Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor” and became the first Asian artist to win the Academy Award for Best Original Score. He went on to win a Grammy Award and a Golden Globe, cementing his status as a global maestro.
For this upcoming performance, conductor Jooheon Han of Austria’s Linz State Opera House — who previously played piano for the 2023 Jecheon International Music & Film Festival’s Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute Concert — will once again take the piano. He will be joined by cellist Yeonsun Joo and violinist Yeongyeong Joo to create a moving stage.
Beloved pieces such as “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” “The Last Emperor,” “Rain,” “Opus,” and “Aqua” will be performed, with a total of 18 works bringing audiences a time of remembrance and musical celebration of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Sakamoto also shared a special bond with Korea. Even during more than a decade of illness, he composed the score for director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s 2017 film “The Fortress” (Namhansanseong), for which he received the Best Music Award at the 2018 Grand Bell Awards and was honored as Asian Filmmaker of the Year at the 2018 Busan International Film Festival. Following his passing, countless film fans worldwide paid tribute. In August 2023, the 19th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival posthumously awarded him the Jecheon Film Music Award and held a tribute concert to honor both the artist and his iconic film scores.
Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun
