If you're prone to nodding off at concerts, we have the perfect event for you. On June 12, a group of topflight Japanese musicians — including violinist Iwao Furusawa, tenor Masafumi Akikawa and wispy-voiced female vocalist Aoi Teshima — will perform a series of works with the intention of sending the audience to sleep. The concert, to be held at the Tokyo International Forum, is a live rendition of music selected for a Japan Airlines in-flight audio relaxation channel. The pieces, which include Schubert's Ave Maria and a Mozart Divertimento, were tested by a physician specializing in sleeping disorders and compiled into Good Sleep CD: Dreams — a hugely popular album in sleep-deprived, stressed-out Japan.
In tests, subjects listening to the CD took no longer than 61/2 minutes to drift off. Of course it might take a little longer to do that in a concert hall. "The original idea was to put out beds for the audience so they could completely relax, but we couldn't find the right venue," says organizer Yutaka Nezu. But happily some seats will be available with pillows and blankets. Book them quick on tel: (81-3) 3498 9999. Lots of tired Tokyoites will be vying for them.