Tag ‘Rehearsals’
“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’: #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”
“The Young Ones, Back in Action” by Ryotaro Leo Ikenaga
The Young Ones, Back in Action
Happy New Year, everyone!
Kodo’s young members, myself included, got back into action early on this year with a live-in rehearsal period from Jan. 4.
A new year is a new start, so we planned this rehearsal period with that in mind.
We practised core pieces that Kodo has performed since its early days, such as “Miyake” and “Yatai-bayashi,” under the instruction of Kodo’s veteran members.
Through these sessions, we also wanted to explore some new pathways. So we pooled and shared ideas and compositions, then worked together to create new sounds and pieces.
We were the only ones at Kodo Village and every day we made new discoveries and realizations. It was an opportunity for us all to reaffirm just how lucky we are to have a place where we can create sound all day long.
In 2017, we have all set our sights on new heights!
We hope you’ll cheer us on!
“Rehearsals” by Kenta Nakagome
Aug. 5, 2016
Greetings from Summer on Sado Island
We are currently right in the thick of our rehearsals on Sado Island for our upcoming “Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concerts.”
We are going to make this summer a really lively one! We hope you will come and join us.
Illustrations: Kenta Nakagome
Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concerts
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20150917kodo35th_en.html
The next generation of Kodo will take a bold step forward into new frontiers with three mid-summer night concerts in Tokyo.
*Tickets on sale now for Aug. 18 & 19.
*Aug. 20 performance is SOLD OUT
*Commemorative Concert Sponsors: Suntory Beer Limited, Onkyo & Pioneer Innovations Corporation, POLA INC.
For ticket orders in English, call Ticket Space Tel. 03-3234-9999 (Mon–Sat 10:00–12:00, 13:00–18:00)
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Aug. 18 (Thu) First Night ‒Deai‒ (Encounters)
Featuring: Kodo, New Japan Philharmonic
Conductor: Tatsuya Shimono
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Aug. 19 (Fri) Second Night ‒Spiral‒ <<S-seats sold out>>
Director: Tamasaburo Bando
Featuring: Kodo
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Aug. 20 (Sat) Third Night ‒Hisho‒ (Soaring) <<SOLD OUT>>
Director: Tamasaburo Bando
Featuring: Kodo with guest artists Blue Tokyo & Dazzle
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Preview on YouTube https://youtu.be/
Earth Celebration 2016
Aug. 26 (Fri)–28 (Sun), 2016
Sado Island, Niigata
“Rehearsals with Blue Tokyo & Dazzle for –Hisho– (Soaring)” by Shogo Komatsuzaki
Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concert
Rehearsals for –Hisho– (Soaring) with Blue Tokyo & Dazzle
We held rehearsals at Kodo Village with guest artists Blue Tokyo & Dazzle for the third day finale of our upcoming Kodo 35th Anniversary Commemorative Concerts, a collaboration entitled –Hisho– (Soaring).
We performed with both Blue Tokyo and Dazzle at “Earth Celebration 2014,” so we are looking forward to taking the stage with these two groups this August again.
Reunited on Sado Island after almost two years, we spent three exciting days rehearsing together. Our three groups have clearly forged a deep bond since 2014 and each day our sound and movements melded together, becoming one. It is hard to describe the feel-good sensation of rehearsing with these ensembles.
We see them dance as we play taiko, they hear our drums as they dance. We are really excited to see what kind of “chemical reaction” the sound of our taiko and their dynamic physical expression will create on stage at Suntory Hall this summer.
I hope you will come along to join us for the finale of our Suntory Hall concerts celebrating Kodo’s 35th Anniversary. We look forward to seeing the energy created on stage leap, fly, and soar.
▲Rehearsals with director Tamasaburo Bando
See you at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on Aug. 20!
▲The Kodo members with Dazzle, Blue Tokyo, and artistic director Tamasaburo Bando after our rehearsals.
Photos: Takashi Okamoto
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.
“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.
“Rehearsals for ‘Kaguyahime’ on Sado” by Yui Kawamoto
Something is different about the rehearsal hall at Kodo Village this week.
An elegant, comfortable, special sound is resonating throughout the building… what can it be?
It is the sound of the Sado-based rehearsals for “Kaguyahime”!
We are currently rehearsing with conductor Michael de Roo and Gagaku (Japanese court music) ensemble Reigakusha for this month’s ballet performances that will be held in Montreal, Canada.
Here’s to the next performance season of “Kaguyahime” in Montreal! See you soon in Canada!
Kodo Appearance in Ballet Performance “Kaguyahime: The Moon Princess”
Oct. 15 (Thu)–30 (Fri), 2015 Montreal, Canada
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20151015kaguyahime_en.html
“Upon Arrival in Ulan-Ude” by Maya Minowa
Sep. 1, 2015
Upon Arrival in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russia
Before the buzz from Earth Celebration had faded away, we set off for Ulan-Ude in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, traveling via Mongolia into Siberia.
We came to perform the music for a ballet production by Morihiro Iwata called “Tamashii” (Spirit). Mr. Iwata is currently the artistic director of the Buryat National Academic House of Ballet. “Tamashii” was created using recordings of Kodo music and for this performance he invited us to come and play the music live. Our rehearsals have begun and I am really looking forward to seeing how this work evolves with the addition of our live music!
Russia-Japan Cultural Festival for Peace and Friendship
Sep. 3 (Thu), 2015 Buryat State National Theatre of Song and Dance “Baikal,” Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russia
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20150903peace&friendship_en.html
“Kodo Night!” by Shingo Kawamura
Join Us Next Week for Earth Celebration!
“Kodo Night” is the name of the first Shiroyama Concert this year, directed by Tsuyoshi Maeda. With powerful Kodo classics and exciting new pieces, it’s going to be an action-packed programme!
