by Peter Inglis
Taikoz
Australia-Japan Taiko Drumming Fusion Sensation
The TaikOz credo : "to beat with every muscle, bone and sinew in our bodies, with an open and joyous spirit."
TaikOz was formed in 1997 by taiko player/percussionist Ian Cleworth and shakuhachi dai-shihan, grand master Riley Lee. The group has quickly established itself as Australia's most energetic and exciting drumming group. Combining the awesome power of the traditional Japanese taiko with the ethereal tones of the bamboo shakuhachi, TaikOz explores a synthesis of East and West, old and new.With ancient practice at its core, TaikOz combines tradition with the latest Japanese and Australian compositions. The ensemble's repertoire ranges from the frenetic energy of the traditional Yataibayashi to the tightly coiled intensity of Maki Ishii's avant-garde compositions and pieces by Australian composers.
Since the 2000 Sydney Festival TaikOz has closely collaborated with Eitetsu Hayashi, Japan's greatest solo taiko player. It was on Eitetsu's invitation that the group made its Japanese concert debut in Kanazawa in 2001. Their tour ended in Kobe at the World Kinen Hall when TaikOz featured in Kaikyousai alongside the two greatest names in the Wadaiko tradition - Eitetsu Hayashi and Kodo.
Though the group's most public expression is through its extremely physical and dynamic performances, TaikOz also runs community workshops, holds regular classes in Wadaiko practice and performs for school students of all ages. While essentially a musical activity, Wadaiko has many other benefits - it develops skills in communication, improves body awareness, encourages team building and increases cross-cultural understanding.
Past highlights include performances at the Bangkok International Festival of Music and Dance, WOMADelaide, the National Folk Festival, The Brisbane Powerhouse and the Melbourne International Festival; extended seasons at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Sydney Opera House with Sado-Ondekoza's Takumi Takano and at the Enmore Theatre with Eitetsu Hayashi. The group also featured in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Sydney Festivals as well as a solo performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Australian premiere of Maki Ishii's ground-breaking Monoprism, an appearance for the Asian Broadcasters' Association at the request of Japan's NHK and a performance of Monoprism for the 2000 Brisbane Festival under conductor Takuo Yuasa, who said, "TaikOz has Yamatodamashii - true Japanese spirit". TaikOz will be undertaking its first national tour for Musica Viva in October 2003.
TaikOz is part of Synergy Percussion Australia - an organization dedicated to the exploration and development of percussion music in Australia.
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Contact us: Prideaux Entertainment Solutions PO Box 618 Wahroonga NSW 2076 Phone: 02 - 9987 4344 Fax: 02 - 9477 1714 Website: www.prideaux-e.com email : enquiries |