From the prestige Champagne house Krug's music project 'KRUG ECHOES,' world-renowned composer Akira Senju has completed a new composition, unveiled for the first time in November 2021. The two pieces dedicated to Krug, 'Les Créations 2008,' are now available on the official Krug website!

Founded in 1843, Champagne house Krug, based in Reims in northern France, continues to produce the finest Champagne through its artisanal, traditional methods and innovative blending. Its devotees, known as 'Krugists' or 'Krug Lovers,' are found worldwide, with Coco Chanel and Hemingway among them.

The house has long believed that the resonance of sound and the perception of taste are intertwined. In recent years, they have initiated 'KRUG ECHOES,' a project where artists are invited for tasting sessions, and musicians draw inspiration from the flavors to select or compose music that harmonizes with the Champagne.

Now, Akira Senju, a world-renowned composer and self-proclaimed Krug lover, has created two pieces that resonate with two rare Krug Champagnes. As both are dedicated to Champagnes from the 2008 vintage, they have been collectively named and released as 'Les Créations 2008.'

To mark the premiere of 'Les Créations 2008,' a one-day event, 'Les Créations de 2008,' embodying the grand vision of 'KRUG ECHOES,' was held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

The venue was an event space within the Warehouse Terrada, which has transformed Tennozu Isle into a hub for culture and art. Its representative, Kohei Terada, also serves as a Krug Ambassador. A select group of guests, including Krug Ambassadors and Krug Lovers from across Japan, gathered there.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by a live string quartet performance. After this interlude, serving as an aperitif to the dreamlike experience about to unfold, Olivier Krug, the 6th generation head of the house, appeared on a large screen in a video message to offer his greetings.

His words, which heightened anticipation with the sentiment, 'It will surely resonate with the exquisite flavors of Champagne, deepening the sense of wonder,' guided the guests to discover a 57-piece full orchestra led by Senju himself.

Senju, a long-time friend of Olivier's, shared the joy of co-creation: 'Olivier often says that Krug Grande Cuvée is like a symphony orchestra. The dignity, pride, and craftsmanship involved resonate deeply with our own world, and I have long looked forward to realizing an event like this.'

The performance, conducted by Senju himself, immediately drew the audience into his unique world. The rich tones of each instrument sparkled, and the magnificent harmonies evoked vivid imagery of refreshing vineyard landscapes and the effervescence of bubbles.

The two Champagnes that inspired the compositions were Krug 2008, a vintage Krug expresses only in exceptional years, and Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition, a masterpiece from 2008 that continually carries forward the dream of founder Joseph Krug.

'Krug 2008,' nurtured in a cool, stable climate, is a special Champagne named 'Timeless Beauty' for its blend of power and elegance. Meanwhile, 'Krug Grande Cuvée' achieves its distinctive, full-bodied flavor and aroma by blending hundreds of different reserve wines.

While listening to the live performance of 'Les Créations 2008,' which interprets the unique charm of each Champagne through music, guests savored a delightful experience where their hearing and taste echoed, indulging in Krug 2008 and Krug Grande Cuvée.

After the performance, guests moved to the respective Krug Ambassador's establishments to enjoy exquisite food pairings with the Champagne. The event, which engaged all the senses, concluded with the sublime pleasure of visually stunning gastronomy and Champagne enhancing each other.

Indeed, the harmonious and intricate structure of Champagne, leaving a long-lasting finish, is akin to fine music. Both elevate the level of joy and allow for the sharing of bliss with many, bringing radiance to life.

In Senju's words, 'Music is an art of time, and Krug is also an art of time.' Music tells a story over minutes from beginning to end, just as Krug tells a story from the moment it's poured until the glass is empty.

Tonight, why not share a glass with someone special and synchronize the stories woven by Champagne and music? Surely, you will find emotion, joy, and new discoveries.

A special page featuring Akira Senju's compositions has been created on the official Krug website. You can listen to the two pieces composed for Krug, 'Les Créations 2008,' at the URL below.
• IMMENSE GENEROSITY (Krug Grande Cuvée)
• CLASSIC BEAUTY (Krug 2008)
URL:https://www.krug.com/jp/krug-stories/les-creations-de-2008-akira-senju