Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Japanese sonic titan, has created some of the most affecting soundtracks to moving images, working with film directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Pedro Almodóvar, and Alejandro González Iñárritu. It is a curious and exciting project for him, then, to be translating a trio of champagnes into music. At the end of 2019, the Oscar-winning composer and producer met with the House of @krugchampagne, and over the course of 18 months, created a three-part symphony in response to three creations from one single year: 2008. These included Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008 (drawn from a 1.84-hectare vineyard has been protected by stone walls since 1698), Krug 2008 (nicknamed “Classic Beauty” by the winemaking team) and Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition (a blend of 127 wines). Informed by frequent tastings of the cuvées and discussions with cellar master Julie Cavil, the ‘Suite for Krug in 2008’ was also shaped by on-site field recordings of Krug’s vineyards and cellars in Reims, France. Starting from September this year, the storied champagne house is hosting concerts in New York, London and Tokyo for attendees to experience the end result with a glass in hand, aided by a live orchestra of 36 musicians selected by Sakamoto and his long-time concertmaster. 15 local events around the world will then reproduce the show through 3D music technology, with the symphony’s work also accessible to everyone via Krug.com and streaming platforms, presented in stereo and surround sound. To celebrate, Port had the pleasure of speaking to @skmtgram about the project, as well as causes close to his heart. Full story in bio