TaikOz: Blessings of the Earth November 3, 2010

To beat with every muscle, bone and sinew in our bodies, with an open and joyous spirit.

Australia's leading taiko drumming group, TaikOz is coming to Riverside Theatres for one performance only on Wednesday, 3 November at 7.30pm as part of the Riverside Music Series. With ancient practice at its core, TaikOz blends traditional Japanese taiko practice with contemporary Australian and Japanese compositions in a spectacular show of physical prowess and heart thumping sound.

Blessings Of The Earth with Riley Lee performing Passing through Tears of Nectar, features the full range of TaikOz's dynamic taiko drums, including the 250kg ôdaiko Grand Drum, as well as a solo dance, Kaidan: A Ghost Story, choreographed by the internationally acclaimed Meryl Tankard. Combining the visceral power of the taiko with the ethereal sound of the bamboo shakuhachi, TaikOz explores a synthesis of East and West, old and new.

Riley Lee’s Passing through Tears of Nectar is based literally, and figuratively, on the chanting by Zen monks at Eiheiji Temple in the mountains of Japan, of the sutra called Kanromon. Both the rhythms and the melodic lines in the piece are based directly on the chanting of the Eiheiji monks.

Blessings of the Earth includes a number of performance pieces. Daichi is composed of a five bar taiko rhythm and a solo shinobue flute melody twice the length of the taiko theme; the two elements represent the land and sea. Kiyari And Tribute To Miyake employs the style and rhythmic language developed on the island of Miyake by the wonderful taiko master, Mr Akio Tsumura. Using structures and techniques familiar to Western contemporary music, Monochrome by Ishii bridges cultural gaps in a unique and intensely musical way. The origins of the solemn dance, Onikenbai date from around 700AD when it is believed to have been performed by the priest who founded the Shugendou sect of Buddhism.

“This powerful rhythmic performance is captivating and not to be missed. TaikOz recently returned from Japan with a renewed vigour and here at Riverside Theatres we look forward to sharing in the magic of this ancient art.” said Director of Riverside Theatres, Robert Love.

Established in 1997, TaikOz has grown into an ensemble comprising eight musicians who undertake a year-round schedule of performances, workshops and teaching. The group regularly tours throughout Australia collaborating with artists and organisations such as the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, taiko greats Eitetsu Hayashi and Kodo, John Bell and the Bell Shakespeare Company and Musica Viva.

Dates: Wednesday, 3 November
Times: 7.30pm
Ticket Prices: Adult $44; Concession $39; 30 & Under $31
Bookings: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399