Ryuichi Sakamoto's funeral playlist and mixed-reality concert revealed

Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Japanese composer and musician who died in March 2023, has posthumously released a funeral playlist and will be the subject of a mixed-reality concert at The Shed in New York. The playlist, compiled privately by Sakamoto, includes works by Alva Noto, Bach, Debussy, Ravel, Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, David Sylvian, Bill Evans, and Laurel Halo. It was shared by his management on his official website. The concert, titled KAGAMI (Japanese for 'mirror'), will feature a virtual Sakamoto playing piano using mixed-reality technology. Created in collaboration with director Todd Eckert of Tin Drum and the Manchester International Festival, the performance will use optically transparent headsets for the audience. KAGAMI will debut at The Shed's Griffin Theatre from June 7 to July 2, 2023, then travel to the Manchester International Festival (June 29–July 16, 2023), and continue in 2024 to the Sydney Opera House and the Big Ears Festival in Tennessee. The setlist includes 10 original compositions such as 'Energy Flow' and 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,' plus rare pieces like 'The Seed and the Sower.' Sakamoto is also credited for the music of the film 'Monster' by Kore-eda, which is in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.