Tomorrow (March 30), the Tao Japanese Drummers will hit the Sony Centre with their high-energy show that celebrates the art of taiko drumming.
The 13 Tao drummers mix martial arts and music in a spectaular show that was inspired by Cirque de Soleil’s integration of Japanese drumming into circus performance.
To date, over five million people around the world have seen their show, which also includes elements taken from Indonesian, Korean and Maori culture.
Before the ensemble takes to the stage, Nagata Shachu, a professional Toronto Japanese drumming group, will present a workshop in the lobby. Studio owner Kiyoshi Nagata will be on hand, along with several members of the group, to explain some of the techniques that the audience will see.
“Taiko, which literally means Japanese drum, is a very broad term,” says Nagata. “Under that umbrella there are many forms of drumming.” Nagata explains that though the Tao drummers are known for their physicality and dramatic acrobatics and costumes, his group is more conventional. “We wear something called the ‘happi’,” he says, “It’s a traditional workman’s jacket.”
Though Nagata Shachu will be displaying multiple drums, Nagata says to keep an eye out for the “miya taiko,” a large barrel-shaped drum made from a hallowed-out tree trunk, the “okedo taiko,” a smaller one made from wooden staves, and the “shime taiko”, which makes a higher pitched sound like a snare drum. “Those are the ones most likely to be in the show.”
Nagatu Shachu has performed all over North America and, in addition to this weekend’s workshop, will begin giving introductory taiko lessons starting April 2.
Tao Japanese Drummers, Sony Centre, 1-855-872-7669. March 30, 8 p.m. $35 and up. (Drumming workshop, 6.30 p.m. $20 with purchase of ticket.)
