Shoko Inoue and Ryan May have passion at their fingertips.
She’s an accomplished classical pianist, while he’s an ecologist inspired by nature and art.
They’re taking that passion on the road next year and they need help to make it happen. Their idea, called Bach with Nature, is a national tour in a converted surplus military vehicle with a piano strapped in the insulated cedar barn-like structure on the chassis that would serve as a stage. They plan to plant fruit trees and play classical music in places across the country that need it most — industrial slums, strip malls, native reservations, universities, inner cities and anywhere else they can find an audience. They hope to help share and inspire the ethics of art and ecology on their journey.
Phase one of the plan is a series of fundraising concerts — a few intimate house concerts Dec. 9, 15 and 20 at 7 p.m. in Oak Bay (call Marion Cumming to reserve 250-592-5977). Inoue will be performing Beethoven’s Tempest and Pathetique Sonata with selections from Bach and Shubert.
Inoue also has other fundraising concerts scheduled Dec. 12, Jan. 19 and 29 at 7 p.m. at the Church of Truth and Consciousness (111 Superior, $25 suggested donation). Tickets are available at Ivy’s Bookstore (2188 Oak Bay).
Inoue and May are actively seeking financial donations, as well as homes with pianos to host house concerts, and help designing the vehicle.
Check out bachwithnature.com for more information. M