A Genre-Defying Special Concert Crossing Latin, Jazz, and Pops: Orquesta De La Luz, Satoru Shionoya, and Kazufumi Miyazawa Present 'Orquesta De La Luz & Saltmiya 2026'

Orquesta De La Luz is an 11-member Japanese salsa band formed in 1984 that is active worldwide. Satoru Shionoya is a pianist and former member of De La Luz, known for his versatile collaborations such as 'SALT&SUGAR' and 'AGA-SHIO'. Joining them is Kazufumi Miyazawa, the vocalist of THE BOOM (disbanded in 2014) who has captivated many with his soulful voice and hit songs like 'Kaze ni Naritai' and 'Shima Uta'.

These three acts will come together for a special cross-genre concert spanning Latin, jazz, and Japanese pop/world music, titled 'Orquesta De La Luz & Saltmiya 2026', presented by Orquesta De La Luz, Satoru Shionoya, and Kazufumi Miyazawa.

The performance will feature Orquesta De La Luz's salsa sound with Satoru Shionoya participating on piano and Kazufumi Miyazawa serving as vocalist. The concerts will be held at Meguro Persimmon Hall in Tokyo and NHK Osaka Hall in Osaka.

The primary advance ticket lottery reception via play guides starts today, Monday, May 18. Please check the official concert website for details.

Comments

Orquesta De La Luz

Orquesta De La Luz, celebrating our 35th debut anniversary this year, along with pianist Salt, who supported our past golden era, and Kazufumi Miyazawa, whose soulful singing voice resonates deeply.

The 'miraculous collaboration' that engulfed the audience in a whirlpool of enthusiasm last autumn is realized once again! We can't stop our excitement!

Ultimate masterpieces like 'Shima Uta' and 'Kaze ni Naritai' will be reborn into exquisite salsa through Salt's brilliant keyboard and De La Luz's passionate performance.

Please experience with your whole body the enthusiasm and emotion born from years of bonds that can only be tasted 'on this day, at this place'. The blissful sound will shake your heart!

Satoru Shionoya

Having left De La Luz nearly 30 years ago, I have since engaged in various activities as a composer, arranger, and pianist, but the foundation for that is undoubtedly the numerous experiences (which could also be called a strange journey) I had with De La Luz both domestically and internationally.

They welcomed me warmly like family once again, and I couldn't be happier to be able to perform together with Kazufumi Miyazawa, whom I know so well. I am turning sixty... oh, no, I am deeply moved!!

I want to enjoy a 'familiar' moment with everyone, created by members who deeply love and respect Latin music.

Kazufumi Miyazawa

I have occasionally had jam sessions with De La Luz since long ago, and Shionoya-san, needless to say, was an early member. Although I have performed with them individually, last October at the Yamaha Jazz Festival in Hamamatsu was the first time the three of us co-starred together.

It was extremely fun, and the audience's reception was very good, with many people asking us to 'do a live show again'... Since I am simple-minded, it started with 'Well then, let's do it!', and we ended up organizing concerts in Tokyo and Osaka.

Miyazawa's songs might become salsa or Latin music on this occasion, and we are thinking of various stage directions. It's an event I am also very much looking forward to!

Profiles

Orquesta De La Luz

Formed in 1984.

In 1989, they boldly executed a New York tour at their own expense and achieved a major breakthrough. In 1990, they made their simultaneous domestic and international debut from BMG Victor. Their debut album recorded No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Chart for 11 consecutive weeks.

They continued to receive worldwide acclaim, winning the UN Peace Medal (1993), receiving a Grammy nomination (1995), the Japan Record Award Special Award (1991, 1993), and the New York Critics Circle Award (1991, 1992). They built a solid position as a pioneer of Latin bands originating from Japan, accumulating numerous brilliant achievements such as overseas tours in 23 countries, appearing on NHK's 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' (1993), and co-starring with Carlos Santana.

Although they disbanded once in 1997, they restarted in 2002. Since then, they have continued their activities in diverse fields, including domestic and international tours, appearances at jazz and rock festivals across regions, collaborations with artists representing Japan (Yosui Inoue, Yumi Matsutoya, Kazufumi Miyazawa, Masayoshi Yamazaki, Maki Ohguro, etc.), Tamori Cup, and school performances.

As they continue to walk holding up the 'Japan Latinization Plan', they celebrated their 40th anniversary of formation in 2024, holding a commemorative performance and challenging their first crowdfunding campaign. It generated a huge response, achieving about 200% of their goal. On May 22 of the same year, they released the commemorative album 'Más Caliente', securing the No. 1 spot on iTunes Latin charts in Panama, Russia, Kenya, and Japan.

In April 2025, they held a performance in Panama for the first time in 32 years. They received an enthusiastic welcome and achieved great success. Then, their 35th debut anniversary year started from June of the same year. They plan to release a best-of album including live recordings on June 10, 2026.