Event Details | Shiroyama Concerts - Featured Artists
Kodo
Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo are forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. The taiko is something you experience viscerally as the sound of the drum travels from the player and reverberates in the body of the listener. Since the group's debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo's ongoing "One Earth Tour" has brought the experience of the taiko to 46 countries around the world for over 3,400 total performances. Spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third resting and preparing new material on Sado Island, Kodo strives to both preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts as they develop new styles that transcend all genres and borders. Since 1988, Kodo has had the pleasure of inviting artists they have met in their travels back to their home of Sado Island to engage in unprecedented musical collaborations at their annual music festival "Earth Celebration."
Earth Celebration
Kodo 30th Anniversary
Ranaei Family
Hailing from Iran, the Ranaei Family is a Kurdish family of four. Overcoming many difficulties throughout their country’s turbulent history, their music continues to touch the lives of people around the globe regardless of ethnicity or background. Their unique sound stems from the tanbour, a Kurdish stringed instrument that is a staple of classical Persian music. The tanbour is noted throughout Iranian history, appearing in murals that date back as far as 6000 years ago, and it is thought to be the progenitor of all plucked string instruments. Its practice revered and its traditions upheld since ancient times, this sacred instrument is believed to connect music to the soul. Come experience the stunning tones and profound expression of the tanbour as the Ranaei family make their debut visit to Japan for Earth Celebration 2011.
Ranaei Family
Ranaei Family - Further Information
KO no kai
KO no kai was formed by a group of men who gathered to celebrate Japanese dance in all its glory and help carve the future of the art form. They perform in the suodori gunbu style (group dance in plain formal costumes) with a simplicity that fuses the beauty of tradition with contemporary sensibilities. With a serene beauty yet overwhelming intensity, KO no kai dance, leap and soar to new heights of expression. The group used Kodo music for an original piece that premiered in 2000 called Onbashira, which enjoyed an overwhelming response and an unprecedented number of encore performances. This appearance at EC will mark their first live collaboration with Kodo.
KO no kai - Further Information
