Inflatable concert hall to open in Japan

A bright purple inflatable concert hall resembling giant plum is touring areas devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Matsushima, Japan.

Seating around 500 people, the giant inflatable structure measures 30m by 36m, and uses wood from the tsunami-damaged surrounding area as seats and sound reflectors. It takes around two hours to inflate and can be easily transported; there are plans to tour around the northeastern coast of Japan.



British sculptor and co-creator of the concert hall, Anish Kapoor, said: "The structure defines a space for community and for music in which colour and form enclose. I hope that the devastation can be overcome by creativity. Music can give solace and bring community together and in so doing can help us to see we are not alone."



The concert hall is being used as part of the Lucerne Festival. Events in Matsushima will include classical concerts and a performance by the musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.