Final Descent x Absolute Music Presents: Chino / Asa (JP/IT/IR) //CPHJAZZ

Artist in Residence 2025: Piano/Cello free improv

This year, the Final Descent Artist in Residence program is proud to present three extraordinary musicians from Japan. Intertwining their cultural upbringing with free improvisation, extended techniques, and cross-aesthetic experimentation, they each offer a unique take on recontextualized Japanese music—ranging from hypnotic minimalism and electro-acoustic folk to avant-garde and spiritual jazz.

A unique encounter between pianist and experimentalist Shuichi Chino and cellist Sarvin Asa. Together, they explore the borderland between free improvisation, sonic poetry, and raw energy. A meeting of two strong voices with a keen sense of detail, structure, and spontaneity—where every moment is an opportunity, and nothing is repeated.

Presented in collaboration with Absolute Music

Shuichi Chino is a Japanese pianist and composer working at the intersection of free improvisation, sound art, and avant-garde music. With roots in the 1970s Japanese rock scene and a background in experimental ensemble playing, he creates organic sonic landscapes where acoustic piano meets interactive technology and noise-based textures. His music draws from both traditional Japanese aesthetics and the European electroacoustic scene, unfolding in a sensuous and ever-evolving universe.

Since 2008, Chino has been based in Berlin, where he continues his work with installations and musical collaborations across genres and media.

Sarvin Asa is an Italian-Iranian cellist active across classical, contemporary, and improvised music. She studied in Italy, Norway, and Denmark, earning a Master’s in Solo Performance from the Royal Academy of Music Aarhus in 2023.

A specialist in improvisation, she trained at institutions like Accademia Chigiana and Siena Jazz Academy under Stefano Battaglia. She performs with orchestras and ensembles including Aarhus Symfoniorkester, Ensemble Tabula Rasa, and Kunst-grillen, and has collaborated with artists such as Abel Selaocoe and Kaja Draksler.

A Young Italian Talents in the World awardee, she has played at international festivals and leads interdisciplinary projects combining music and dance. She is based in Copenhagen.

Shuichi Chino is part of Final Descent’s Artist in Residency 2025, where three Japanese musicians will visit Copenhagen Jazz Festival with solo performances and exciting new collaborations. The residency program is supported by Toyota Foundation and The Danish Arts Council.

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