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Thursday, 26th September 2013
In Events In Japan,
First inflatable concert hall to open
Japan is set to make another world-first tomorrow (September 27th) with the opening of the first ever inflatable concert hall on the country's stricken north coast.
The giant purple structure, which was created by British sculptor Anish Kapoor and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, is around 18 metres high and 35 metres wide when fully inflated, allowing it to host 500 guests.
Christened the 'Ark Nova', organisers said its primary advantages lie in the fact that it can easily be deflated and transported elsewhere in the country to host other events. A press statement from the creators indicated they hope the contraption will help "bring people together" from all walks of life.
Seating for the spectators was constructed from the cedar woods that were damaged when a colossal tsunami hit northern Japan in 2011, which resulted in thousands of deaths and sparked a nuclear crisis.
The Ark Nova will remain in its current location until October 14th, hosting performances from prominent musical organisations such as the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra. It will also put on performances of traditional Japanese kabuki theatre.
Written by Susan Ballion
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