Since 1988, Kodo, a world renowned taiko ensemble and Japan's most internationally acclaimed performing arts group, has held an annual music festival called "Earth Celebration" (EC), produced in cooperation with Sado City. EC has been a venue for Kodo to invite artists they have met in their travels back to its home of Sado Island to engage in unprecedented musical collaborations. Under the theme "Tataku" (to beat a rhythm), the most primal human expression, and set against the rich natural splendor of Sado, EC seeks an alternative global culture through musical and cultural collaborations with artists from around the world. This year will mark the festival's 26th year.
At this year’s Shiroyama Concerts, we are pleased to present a two-night music project with shamisen player Hiromitsu Agatsuma who collaborated with Kodo for the first time at last year’s EC. Agatsuma and Kodo found common ground pursuing the intricacies of Japanese music with its distinctive pauses and rhythms. This summer Agatsuma brings a massive original composition in three movements, posing the Kodo + Agatsuma Project with the challenge of further evolution using this formidable line-up.
The opening-night concert will be a Kodo "Dadan" EC 2013 Special performance. With an outdoor screen being brought into the venue, we hope to add an enhanced sense of drama to start the festivities.
Join us and experience the once-in-a-lifetime sound of Earth Celebration.
The EC 2013 English site will be open on May 20th.
Earth Celebration 2013（Japanese site）
EC Archives 2012
EC Photo Gallery 2012