Amedeo Maria Schwaller

on shō

Saturday, May 16, 2026
15:00, 16:00, 17:00

Amedeo Maria Schwaller presents a live performance for shō, the traditional Japanese mouth organ used in gagaku, the ancient court music of Japan. Composed of a cluster of bamboo pipes, the instrument produces sustained chords through continuous breath, forming a dense and slowly shifting harmonic field.

Before playing, the shō is gently warmed (typically for around fifteen minutes) to stabilize the metal reeds and prevent condensation. As the instrument gradually cools, subtle shifts in tuning and response begin to emerge, and the duration of the performance follows this process, moving from relative harmonic clarity toward increasing instability.

Schwaller performs in close relation to the architecture and its reverberation. Chords expand into the space, linger, and overlap, allowing the room itself to shape the sound as it unfolds over time.

Each performance lasts approximately 15 minutes and takes place on the hour at 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00. 

This event takes place during the Various Others opening weekend.