Using music to bring hope and promise to those who are suffering from the tragic major earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011: this is the idea and goal of the ARK NOVA project initiated by LUCERNE FESTIVAL and Kajimoto Music. Under the direction of Arata Isozaki, one of the world’s most sought-after architects, a mobile concert hall is being built, one that can be transported to various locations in the devastated region. The multi-component design includes a hall with seating for between 500 to 700 spectators. The inflatable shell is made of an elastic material that allows quick erection and dismantling. Isozaki is working on this project in close collaboration with the Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor, who is responsible for the design of the building’s shell. Yasuhisa Toyota from Nagata Acoustics is responsible for the hall’s acoustic design, and David Staples from Theatre Projects in London is acting as the specialist theatre consultant. The hall will provide an absolutely unique platform for performances and appearances encompassing classical music, jazz, dance, multimedia and interdisciplinary artistic projects by leading artists and ensembles from around the world. An artistic committee with renowned personalities associated with the LUCERNE FESTIVAL will support the program planning. The performances are intended to be supported by sponsors and supporters in order to provide the population of the region with free access to the programs being presented. This impressive hall should not only serve as a platform for performances but also as a place to meet, find creative inspiration and thus make a lasting contribution towards returning normalcy to the region. The project is kindly supported by UBS. [Basic Information] Period: September 27th 2013 – October 14th 2013 Venue: Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, and other locations Organizer: ARK NOVA Executive Committee, Matsushima Executive Committee (Matsushima Town, Matsushima Town Board of Education, Go and Partners, Inc, others) Artistic Directors: Michael Haefliger (Artistic and Executive Director of LUCERNE FESTIVAL), Arata Isozaki (Architect), Anish Kapoor (Sculptor), Ryuichi Sakamoto (Musician), Masahide Kajimoto (Chairman of ARK NOVA Executive Committee) Artistic directors：Michael Haefliger (Artistic director of LUCERNE FESTIVAL), Arata Isozaki (Architect), Anish Kapoor (Sculptor), Ryuichi Sakamoto (Musician), Masahide Kajimoto (Chairman of ARK NOVA Exhibition Organizing Committee) Cooperation of Planning and Production of Programs= KAJIMOTO Public relations: N&A