Japan telework orchestra strikes a chord in coronavirus gloom

Second violinist Sohei Birmann, 35, of the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra playing music while recording himself at home in Tokyo.- AFP

TOKYO (AFP): The members of the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra tune up for their latest recital, more than 60 musicians ranging from trombonists to violinists and percussionists -- but this is no ordinary performance.

In a musical twist on the telework trend forced on the world by the coronavirus pandemic, they appear in tiny blocks on screen, recording their parts separately before technology brings them together in joyous harmony.