Civic Theatre Newcastle
Wed 26th September 2012 -- Wed 26th September 2012 7:30 pm
TaikOz presents
KODO & TAIKOZ IN CONCERT
Featuring Riley Lee, shakuhachi
Japan’s acclaimed taiko performing arts ensemble Kodo joins Australia’s own high-energy taiko musicians TaikOz in a performance of dynamic drumming and beautiful song.
TaikOz is Australia’s premier taiko ensemble, having established a unique performance style that reflects the group’s passionate dedication to the traditions of Japanese taiko drumming and the creation of new music for today’s audiences. In recent years, TaikOz has nurtured a creative partnership with one of Japan’s most internationally renowned performing arts groups.
Based on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, Kodo is known for elevating Japanese folk arts to a contemporary expression that captivates audiences around the world. Kodo, which means “heartbeat” and also “children of the drum,” has given over 3400 performances on all five continents since their inception in 1981. Through constant collaborations with musicians, dancers, singers and actors in many countries, Kodo relentlessly explores the limits of the taiko, striving to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts.
The sound of the great taiko drum is said to resemble a mother’s heartbeat as felt in the womb. In this thrilling collaboration, the members of Kodo and TaikOz forge cultural ties and play together with the joyfulness of children.
“Indeed if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.” The Boston Globe
“TaikOz astound and mesmerize with their musicianship. They show what cross-cultural collaboration at its best can achieve.”Courier Mail
“You don’t just listen to this music, you see it and feel it too.”
The Sydney Morning Herald
Approx running time: 2 hours 15 minutes including interval.
