Join Pinna Records, pianist Sarah Cahill and composer Mamoru Fujieda at this special event in celebration of the release of Patterns of Plants on CD.

Patterns of Plants, composed between 1996 and 2011, is Mamoru Fujieda’s magnum opus. Working with a device called the “Plantron,” the composer measures electrical fluctuations on the surface of the leaves of plants, and converts the data thus obtained into sound. Through a process he has likened to searching “in a deep forest” for “beautiful flowers and rare butterflies,” he listens for musical patterns, and uses them as the basis for composing short pieces, which he then groups into collections reminiscent of Baroque dance suites.

This two-disc set is the first solo piano recording of this music to be made available outside Japan, and features the “unabashedly gorgeous” The Olive Branch Speaks, commissioned by Sarah for her A Sweeter Music project.

Sarah will perform selections from the recording, wine and light refreshments will be served, and the CD will be available for advance purchase at a discounted price. There is no admission fee, but the Berkeley Arts Festival gratefully accepts your donations.