In the new production Tsuzumi, the soul-stirring taiko drummers of Kodo look back at the ensemble’s impressive 40-year history and forward to its next chapter of breathtaking performance. Rigorously trained on the rugged, windswept island of Sado in the Sea of Japan, the Kodo drummers bring a youthful joy to their seamlessly athletic displays, shaking the earth with thunderous pounding one moment, and offering delicately shimmering musical synchronicity the next. The program features signature pieces such as O-daiko, Yatai-bayashi, Zoku, the popular Monochrome by the late composer Maki Ishii, and new compositions by the next generation of taiko creators.

Funding made possible by the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation.

Run time for this performance is approximately 2 hours, including intermission.