Tag ‘Mitsuru Ishizuka’
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #4 Kani Moon” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #4 Kani Moon
The seaside at night on Sado Island is very quiet.
All you can hear is the sound of waves… or so you may think.
If you listen veeeery carefully, you can hear little commotions all over the place…
Well, well, what’s going on then?
I hope you will tune in to find out!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #3 Kipopo” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #2
Kipopo
Along with Shiun, which I introduced in a previous post, Maya Minowa composed this new piece for “Michi.”
This piece is like Maya: it’s happy with a cheerful, light melody and a strong taiko ensemble.
What do you think the mysterious name “Kipopo” means?
What kind of scenery will you imagine when you hear this piece?
Come along to the theater and find out for yourself!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #2 Gunjo” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #2
Gunjo
Techincally speaking, this is not a new piece. However, it has only been performed twice at Earth Celebration, so it will be performed outside Sado Island for the first time in “Michi.”
Gunjo means ultramarine blue.
Imagine the sparkling ultramarine blue of the summer sea stretching out in front of you.
This piece was created to depict the exhilarating feeling of wanting to run out to sea and the sensation of sprinting.
It’s only March, but this piece will make you feel like it’s mid-summer on Sado Island!
I hope you’ll look forward to hearing it!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #1 Shiun” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions “Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #1
Shiun
As well as classic powerful pieces from Kodo’s repertoire, we will share some brand new compositions created by current Kodo members in the upcoming “Michi” performances.
Shiun was composed by petite powerful drummer Maya Minowa. Breaking free from Kodo’s firmly-rooted image of gentle, elaborate female performers, this piece arose from a discussion where I said I’d like to hear women playing taiko that is awe-inspiring, powerful, and uses all their willpower and physical power.
“Fighter Minowa” called on every fibre of her being to create this piece, and in “Michi” it will be performed by three young female performers: Maya, Mizuki, and Tomoe. They will drum with all their might! Come along to see how this new piece has turned out!
Don’t miss it!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“Rehearsals for –Deai– (Encounters)” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
Apr. 12, 2016
Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concert
–Deai– (Encounters)
We have begun rehearsals on Sado for our upcoming “Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concerts” that will take place at Suntory Hall in Tokyo this August.
Composer Toshiro Saruya (right) with Kodo’s Masayuki Sakamoto
Composer Sunao Isaji
These past few days we welcomed two composers, Mr. Toshiro Saruya & Mr. Sunao Isaji, and conductor Mr. Tatsuya Shimono to Kodo Village to rehearse for the first concert’s orchestra collaboration entitled –Deai– (Encounters).
When we rehearse for orchestra collaborations, we have to be more attentive than usual to our rhythm and tone, and follow the detailed sheet music with absolute accuracy, and keep an eye on the conductor… so we use a lot of different nerves that we don’t usually exercise on stage. We were all frantically trying to keep up the whole time.
The composers and conductor taught us attentively, and with great detail, how to practice and express classical music, the way sound is created in these compositions, and more. Through their teaching I felt a renewed sense of wonder at the endless span, bottomless depths, and sheer enjoyment of the world of music.
It is now 40 years since the first ever performance of “Mono-Prism,” which Maki Ishii composed for especially for taiko and orchestra. This year, two new taiko and orchestra pieces have been created by two different composers and the world premiere of both works will take place at Suntory Hall this August. This is the one and only performance planned featuring these two new pieces!
After the “Deai” rehearsals, the Kodo members took a commemorative group photo with composers Toshiro Saruya & Sunao Isaji, conductor Tatsuya Shimono, electronic organ players Ms. Shimizu & Ms. Matsuda, and artistic director Tamasaburo Bando.
Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concerts
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20150917kodo35th_en.html
Aug. 18 (Thu), 19 (Fri), 20 (Sat), 2016 Suntory Hall, Tokyo
Aug. 18 (Thu) First Night ‒Deai‒ (Encounters)
Featuring: Kodo, New Japan Philharmonic / Conductor: Tatsuya Shimono
Aug. 19 (Fri) Second Night ‒Spiral‒
Director: Tamasaburo Bando / Featuring: Kodo
Aug. 20 (Sat) Third Night ‒Hisho‒ (Soaring)
Director: Tamasaburo Bando / Featuring: Kodo with guest artists Blue Tokyo & Dazzle
Ticket Outlets:
- Ticket Space Tel. 03-3234-9999 (Mon–Sat 10:00–12:00, 13:00–18:00)
- Suntory Hall Ticket Center Tel. 0570-55-0017
- Ticket Pia Tel. 0570-02-9999 [P-code: 286-898] http://pia.jp/
- e+ (e plus) http://eplus.jp/
- Lawson Ticket Tel. 0570-000-407 (Operator 10:00–20:00) Tel. 0570-084-003 [L-code: 30118] http://l-tike.com/
- Seven Ticket http://7ticket.jp/ Tickets available from multi-copy machines at Seven Eleven stores nationwide.
- Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Ticket Service Tel. 03-5685-0650
Suntory Hall 30th Anniversary Commemorative Event Sponsors: Suntory Beer Limited, Onkyo & Pioneer Innovations Corporation, POLA INC.
Kodo Members Record Music for New BoBA Short Film
Kodo Members Record Music for New BoBA Short Film
“DRUMMANz (The Unexpected Happening of Stick)”
The trailer has just been released for a new short film directed by BoBA (Yohji Tanaka) called “DRUMMANz (The Unexpected Happening of Stick),” starring Flower Companyz drummer Mr. Konishi. It also features drummers Tatsuya Nakamura and Steve Eto.
▶︎Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/AO-OBMNGrWg
This short film is one of four made to shine a light on the local area surrounding Cinema Skhole in Nagoya.
The director approached Kodo and asked us to provide some music for the soundtrack, which we recorded at our rehearsal hall on Sado Island. Yuichiro Funabashi composed the music and performed it for the recording with Mitsuru Ishizuka and Masayuki Sakamoto.
Recording at Kodo Village for the soundtrack
Short Film “DRUMMANz (The Unexpected Happening of Stick)”
Director /Script Writer /Editor: BoBA (Yohji Tanaka)
Featuring: Mr. Konishi, Tatsuya Nakamura, Steve Eto, Flower Companyz, Tadahisa Fujimura, & others
Cinematographer: Rokuro Terada
Sound Engineer: Kenji Sakaue
Lighting Designer: Ken Horiguchi
Art Director: Koji Nagasawa
Music by: Flower Companyz, Kodo (Yuiichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Masayuki Sakamoto), Shleeps
“Hello Hong Kong!” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
Oct. 29, 2015
Hello Hong Kong!
We have safely arrived in Hong Kong for the “DADAN” performances! The last time Kodo visited anywhere in China was 15 years ago in 2000. This is my first time ever in Hong Kong and I have been really looking forward to this trip.
But our schedule is rather tight… tomorrow we have to unpack our instruments and load in to the theater, then we have a press conference and rehearsals, then two performances… so that only leaves a short amount of free time today to enjoy Hong Kong.
So, as soon as we got off the bus from the airport and checked in to our hotel, I was straight back outside and leapt on the subway. I started my sightseeing from the southern end of Nathan Road and zigzagged my way north.
I saw lanes of pubs filled with spirited old guys, a chic shopping area like Omotesando (in Tokyo), a market packed with stalls on the street, and such amazing neon signs. I felt such great energy coming from the city and its people.
It was a brief outing, but it was great to feel that pulsating side of Asia. I’m invigorated and will do my best for our performances!
Kodo “DADAN 2015″ Hong Kong Performances
Oct. 30 (Fri) & 31 (Sat), 2015 Sha Tin Town Hall, Hong Kong SAR, China
“The Grand Finale of ‘Eternity’!” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
Our “Eternity” tour, which began in the winter of 2014, held its final performance in Kagoshima on Oct. 18, 2015. Thank you very much to everyone who came to see our performances nationwide!
The Eternity production features all brand new compositions and so many different new musical, physical, and performance elements. We gained so much through this tour and I can really feel that both Kodo and I have grown through this ground-breaking production. While there are currently no plans for any future performances, I really hope that many more people will have the chance to experience this profound work live on stage.
Using this finale as a new starting point, Kodo will continue to work with devotion, aiming for even higher heights and to create even deeper realms on stage. First up is our next new performance, “Chaos.” Please come along to see it!
“Eternity” Sep.–Oct. 2015 Japan Tour
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20150606oet_en.html
Discography | Eternity
http://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/od013014_en.html
“Taiko Workshops in Fukuoka Prefecture” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
Oct. 11 Kodo Workshops at Kobunren 30th Anniversary Special Event
We were invited to the Kobunren 30th Anniversary Special Event for high school taiko groups in Fukuoka Prefecture. Last time we came to this event was in December 2014. This time, we brought them a much grander workshop program… actually, we came with four different taiko courses for them! The instructors were Yosuke Oda, Masayuki Sakamoto, Yosuke Kusa, and I. There were around 80 students, so they all split into groups to take their choice of workshop.
The event started at 10:00 with an opening performance by the Kodo “Eternity” cast. Then we had a morning and afternoon session of each course. It was an action-packed day!
The high school students all really want to improve as taiko players, so we did our best to share as much as we could with them and gave them as many tips as possible. They were all so frank and earnest, and they absorbed everything we taught them with such speed. They really grew as taiko players! We received so much energy from them all!
When it was time for us to leave, all the students lined up to farewell us. They were so sweet.
Thank you very much! Do your best! We’ll do our best, too!
“Getting Ready for Earth Celebration” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
Getting Ready for Earth Celebration
Earth Celebration is about to begin and we are rehearsing with all our might!
Usually we are all off on different projects and tours, so summer is always a special time of year for us because we all come together at the Kodo Village Rehearsal Hall to create sound together, work hard together, and perform on the same stage. This year will be the last EC that centers around the Shiroyama Concerts, so while it’s sad to see the end of an era, it’s all the more reason to give it our all! We hope you all come and have a ball with us! I hope we can make EC 2015 a special turning point that leads to bright new horizons!
See you all at Shiroyama Park!
