A Canadian artist has unveiled a model of the Ottawa-based
National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra made entirely out of
toothpicks. Go Sato, a scientific illustrator, took three years to
craft the 61-piece ensemble, using 12,500 separate pieces of wood
in the model.
As well as sculpting each individual musician, Sato made the
instruments, bows, music stands, chairs, stools and the conductor’s
podium. Sato based the conductor’s likeness on the orchestra’s
current music director, Pinchas Zukerman. His wife Amanda Forsyth
is also depicted in the principal cellist’s position. The principal
double bass figure, who holds his bow with an underhand grip and
sits on a backless stool, was created with NAC bassist Joel
Quarrington in mind.
‘I believe that my toothpick orchestra is the first in the world,’
said Sato. ‘I want to give it to the NAC because Canada has given
me so much in my life, and I love classical music.’ The model will
be on display in the NAC foyer until 1 July, after which it will be
brought out several times a year, particularly for children’s
concerts.
All photos courtesy of the NAC
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