About Music and Writing

What’s the role of music in the work of the mysterious writer Haruki Murakami?

Haruki Murakami, one of the most read authors of the moment, is a music lover and record collector. It is not surprising, then, that music occurs in many different ways in his books. Sometimes in the title of a work, often as a metaphor. Music scientist Emile Wennekes analyses how music and writing intermix regularly in the work of Japanese authors. Writer and musician Auke Hulst talks about the parallels between making music and writing a book. The program is musically framed by pianist Keiko Shichijo. She sinks her teeth into classical masterpieces by Bach, Schubert and Janacek as described by Murakami in his novels. She also pays tribute to the cinematic music of Ryuichi Sakamoto, with whom Murakami crossed paths more than once; Marjolein de Jong will draw Manga during this performance.
Sofia Manouki, in-house-poet of the RUG, shares her personal reading experience with the audience. Batsu offers a tofu bite and a sip of sake.

Murakami Music Box is a collaboration between Soundsofmusic and Studium Generale Groningen.

Foto: Gasper Tringale