 |
|
|||||||||||||||
PAST PERFORMANCES Please scroll down to view details of TaikOz's past activities. 2008 SEPTEMBER "The Gathering" tour: September-November SOUTH AUSTRALIA
OCTOBER VICTORIA
NOVEMBER QUEENSLAND "The Gathering" fundraising concert for “Kodo & TaikOz In Concert” tour: Monday November 24, Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Featuring TaikOz, ://www.rileylee.net/" target="_blank">Riley Lee, Grand Master of shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and Timothy Constable, percussion virtuoso.
DECEMBER Woodford Folk Festival: December 27-January 1 TaikOz will be appearing on each day of the Woodford Folk Festival. http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/
2009 JANUARY January Intensive Course: January 23-26 2009, Naamaroo Conference Centre, Sydney Next January will see TaikOz's second Intensive Course at the beautiful Naamaroo Conference Centre in Lane Cove, Sydney. TaikOz welcomes taiko players from everywhere and we look forward to 3 days of hard training and fun times together.
Australia Day Celebrations: Monday January 26, Bicentennial Park, West Pymble TaikOz are headlining the Ku-ring-gai Council Australia Day Concert with a festive 35-minute program. The concert is free, begins at 5pm and TaikOz will be appearing on stage at 8:10pm. Bicentennial Park, Cnr Ryde Rd & Lofberg Rd, West Pymble
FEBRUARY Tea & Symphony: Friday February 6, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Join TaikOz for a little "Tea & Symphony", courtesy of the Sydney Symphony. The program features TaikOz in works composed by Ian Cleworth, Graham Hilgendorf, Masae Ikegawa and others.
"Monoprism": February 6 & 7, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall TaikOz will again join forces with the Sydney Symphony to present Maki Ishii's ground-breaking work, "Monoprism" for Wadaiko and Orchestra. TaikOz share the stage with percussion virtuoso Claire Edwardes who will be playing Toru Takemitsu's beguiling "Gitimalya" for Marimba and Orchestra.
Kodo & TaikOz In Concert: February 21 & 22, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney February 24 & 25, Melbourne Recital Centre The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother’s heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that its thunderous vibrations often lull babies asleep. Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko, Kodo are forging new directions for a vibrant living art form. Living and working communally on their home of Sado Island, Kodo are Japan’s foremost cultural export to the world having given over 3100 performances on all five continents since their inception in 1981.
MARCH Armidale workshops and performances: March 17-21 TaikOz looks forward to returning to the beautiful town of Armidale, NSW for a series of schools concerts, public workshops and an evening performance. TAIKOZ IN ARMIDALE 7 PM, Saturday 21 March 2009
APRIL TEN DAYS ON THE ISLAND FESTIVAL & MUSICA VIVA PRESENT 'BLESSINGS OF THE EARTH'
"A Ghost Story", Newcastle Civic Theatre "Inspirations Series": Wednesday April 15, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, 8pm This program features "Solo from Kaidan: A Ghost Story" - a solo dance choreographed by the acclaimed Meryl Tankard - among other works, including Ian Cleworth's "...the peals of thunder".
"A Ghost Story": Friday April 24, Sutherland Entertainment Centre, 8pm This program features "Solo from Kaidan: A Ghost Story" - a solo dance choreographed by the acclaimed Meryl Tankard - among other works, including Ian Cleworth's "...the peals of thunder".
JUNE "Pericles” with Bell Shakespeare Company - Sydney Season: June 26th - August 1st, The Drama Theatre Sydney Opera House Director: John Bell Set Design: Julie Lynch Choreography: Gavin Robins Prince Pericles must abandon his home for fear of death but his journey, across the seas and through many amazing adventures, will bring him to an understanding of the very essence of life itself. He'll navigate oceans, fight battles, save souls and lose love in a windswept odyssey testing strength and character. And he'll return home to find that suffering is not for nothing - love will prevail. Featuring Damian Walshe-Howling in the title role and directed by John Bell, this myth-laden spectacle will take you into an exotic and enchanting world.
JULY
"Pericles” with Bell Shakespeare Company - Sydney Season: June 26th - August 1st, The Drama Theatre Sydney Opera House Director: John Bell Set Design: Julie Lynch Choreography: Gavin Robins Prince Pericles must abandon his home for fear of death but his journey, across the seas and through many amazing adventures, will bring him to an understanding of the very essence of life itself. He'll navigate oceans, fight battles, save souls and lose love in a windswept odyssey testing strength and character. And he'll return home to find that suffering is not for nothing - love will prevail. Featuring Damian Walshe-Howling in the title role and directed by John Bell, this myth-laden spectacle will take you into an exotic and enchanting world.
SEPTEMBER Moorambilla Festival 2009 September 25-27, Coonamble
RiddimFest Spring '09 Date/Time: Sunday 27 September 2009. Doors open at 4pm (event finishes 8pm) All students performing have taken part in an InRhythm 6- or 8-week community course in African drumming. RiddimFest is their time to shine! Come along to support these fantastic drummers and join in our facilitated open jam. RiddimFest is the biggest drum gathering by hand drummers in Australia. InRhythm is also enormously pleased to announce our special guests for this RiddimFest:
OCTOBER Bellingen Global Carnival October 2-4, Bellingen TaikOz will be performing at Bellingen's Global Carnival - one of Australia's great events on the festival circuit that presents world class acts from the far-flung corners of the earth.
2009 OzAsia Festival 'The Peals Of Thunder' Thursday October 8, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide Featuring William Barton - Didgeridoo 'Taiko Is For Everybody!' Introductory Workshop with members of TaikOz Wednesday October 7 This performance at the OzAsia Festival features two of Australia's most in demand soloists, Riley Lee, shakuhachi, and William Barton didgeridoo. The program features Ian Cleworth's '...the peals of thunder' and two premieres - Graham Hilgendorf and Masae Ikegawa's 'Sea Breeze' and 'Breath Spirits' by Riley and William. 'TAIKO IS FOR EVERYBODY!' INTRODUCTORY TAIKO WORKSHOP
TaikOz Duo 'Taiko in the Gardens' Sunday October 25, Government House, Sydney (Part of the Government House "House Music" concert series) TaikOz’s two youngest members combine the powerful excitement of the matsuri festivals of Japan with the unique identity associated with a TaikOz performance. Anton & Tom will present dynamic, contrasting original compositions with strong traditional influences within the stunning surrounds of the Government House garden and ballroom. The TaikOz Duo will be joined by saxophonist/guitarist Joseph Littfield.
NOVEMBER Friday November 20 and Saturday November 21 - Brisbane Powerhouse Friday November 27 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney
TaikOz will join forces with Topology, Australia's most eclectic and electric new music ensemble, and the virtuosic percussion duo, Karak. Despite their surface differences, the groups share a common desire to push boundaries within their chosen art forms: they write and perform their own music as well as that of other composers, and are adept at improvisation and working in a variety of locations and mixed media. Sound On Sound features new works composed by members of each ensemble as well as the World Premiere of 'pravachambalam' by renowned WA composer David Pye. Combining the dramatic theatricality of TaikOz, the ethereal tones of Riley Lee's bamboo shakuhachi, the colour and energy of Topology's amplified piano, bass, saxophones, violin and viola, and Karak's percussive brilliance, Sound On Sound is a performance not to be missed! Presented by TaikOz, Places & Spaces and the New Music Network. TAIKOZ PRESENTS TaikOz is presenting two workshops at Brisbane Powerhouse during their SOUND ON SOUND season with Topology and Karak Percussion. Taiko workshops are open to all ages from 14 years and above.
Huntington Estate Music Festival 2009 Wednesday to Sunday, November 25-29, Mudgee This will be the first time TaikOz has appeared at the Huntington Festival. For more details see the Musica Viva web site. TaikOz will be appearing on Saturday November 28. 2010
Riversdale Festival – TaikOz Trio Saturday January 16, Arthur Boyd Riversdale Property, Bundanon The Riversdale Festival will bring iconic Australian performers and local community groups together to create a magical environment of interactive performances, workshops and sound-scapes along the banks of the Shoalhaven River, the inspiration for much of Arthur Boyd’s work. Live-House 2 Riley Lee, shakuhachi and Special Guest Jeff Peterson, guitar Monday March 29, Italian Forum Cultural Centre, Leichhardt Join Riley and his long-time collaborator, US slack-key guitarist Jeff Peterson, at our second Live-House concert at the Forum. Riley and Jeff won 'Instrumental Album of the Year' in the Hawaiian 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
National Folk Festival April 1-5, Showgrounds, Canberra Five days of music-making and workshops.
“Shifting Sand” Friday April 9–Saturday 10, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong TaikOz returning to the ‘Gong in 2010 with a new work conceived and composed by TaikOz member Graham Hilgendorf. Inspired by the beach and the ocean,Shifting Sand is a powerful evocation of the ocean’s many faces. From the delicate play of light on the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms, TaikOz’s ethereal bamboo flutes, thunderous taiko drumming and dynamic movement and dance seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean. “Shifting Sand” Wednesday April 21, Civic Theatre, Newcastle TaikOz returning to Newcastle in 2010 with a new work conceived and composed by TaikOz member Graham Hilgendorf. Inspired by the beach and the ocean, Shifting Sand is a powerful evocation of the ocean’s many faces. From the delicate play of light on the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms, TaikOz’s ethereal bamboo flutes, thunderous taiko drumming and dynamic movement and dance seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean.
Sunday, July 11, Sydney Town Hall
pulse:heart:beat July 11, Sydney Town Hall, 7 pm TaikOz and our sister-ensemble Synergy are preparing a veritable feast for that 'little drummer' inside all of us. pulse:heart:beat is a joyful celebration of all things rhythmic, dynamic, seismic and cosmic! Join TaikOz, Synergy and our very special guests: world-renowned, USA-based percussionist/frame drummer River Guerguerian, Circle Of Rhythm virtuosi Greg Sheehan, Bobby Singh and Deva Permana, as well as saxophone player extraordinaire, Sandy Evans. A feature of pulse:heart:beat is a new work composed especially for the full forces by Synergy Artistic Director Timothy Constable - a veritable percussion symphony!
"Live House 3 - TaikOz Duo" September 4, Manning Bar, University of Sydney, 8pm In the third installment of Synergy and TaikOz's Live House series, TaikOz Duo - Anton Lock and Tom Royce Hampton - take on the exuberant crowd at the Manning Bar, University of Sydney. Anton and Tom are joined by some of Sydney's up and coming musicians: - Joseph Littlefield (Guitar/Saxophone)
- Timothy Constable (Drums & Percussion) - Roger Lock (Bass) - Murilo Tanouye - Daniel Goodacre From traditional Japaneses song and dance through to hip-hop and drum 'n bass, come and explore new beats and samples mixed with the explosive energy of the taiko.
“Shifting Sand” September 24, Melbourne Recital Centre, 7.30pm Shifting Sand is a new work conceived and composed by TaikOz member Graham Hilgendorf and was premiered in Sydney in 2010. From the delicate play of light on the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms, TaikOz's ethereal bamboo flutes, thunderous taiko drumming and dynamic movement and dance seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean.
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
“Blessings Of The Earth Tour” In conjunction with Arts On Tour NSW and Playing Australia. 20 October - Alice Springs, NT, Araluen Arts Centre DETAILS 23 October - Darwin, NT, Darwin Entertainment Centre DETAILS 27 October - Cairns, QLD, Civic Theatre DETAILS 29 October - Cleveland, QLD, Redland Performing Arts Centre DETAILS 30 October - Toowoomba, QLD, Empire Theatre DETAILS 3 November - Parramatta, NSW, Riverside Theatre DETAILS 5 November - Albury, NSW, Entertainment Centre DETAILS 6 November - Wagga Wagga, NSW, Civic Theatre DETAILS 9 November - Griffith, NSW, Regional Theatre DETAILS 11 November - Mildura, VIC, Mercy Theatre DETAILS 13 November - Sale, VIC, Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre DETAILS 14 November - Monash University Clayton Campus, VIC, Robert Blackwood Hall DETAILS 17 - 18 November - Hobart, TAS, Theatre Royal DETAILS 22 November - Ballarat, VIC, Her Majesty's Theatre DETAILS 24 November - Portland, VIC, Civic Hall DETAILS 26 November - Wangaratta, VIC, Performing Arts Centre DETAILS Blessings Of The Earth program notes DECEMBER “Mono-Prism” with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Paul Daniel, conductor December 2-4, Perth Concert Hall - VIEW HERE TaikOz will be appearing with the WASO for their final concerts of the 2010 subscription season. The feature item is Maki Ishii's colourful and exciting Mono-Prism. The Australian: "The most compelling listening of the evening was the performance by TaikOz of Miki Ishii's Mono-Prism....TaikOz was able to extract from their drums an astonishing array of colours and textures deployed with precision and flair. A final salvo of immense power had the audience on its feet." TaikOz and Tetrafide "Power.Precision.Passion" December 5, Regal Theatre 5pm TaikOz are joining forces with WA's brilliant young percussion group, Tetrafide. The concert will feature both ensembles playing works from their repertoire, followed by an all-in dynamic finalé. TaikOz's program will include the evocative Onikenbai (Demon Sword Dance), a new work by Riley Lee, Passing Through Tears Of Nectar, Ian Cleworth's House Music and Graham Hilgendorf's Daichi. The West Australian: "TaikOz demonstrated the form that's taken them to the top of the tree. In visual terms, they are without peer in the Australian percussion scene. Not even the tiniest details is overlooked; they are a marvel to watch - and the skill with which they are deployed on stage is matchless.
In Onikenbai, a sword danc, the finess they brought to the piece was breathtakingly fine.... Visually spectacular and sonically a marvel, the end result was very fine. Frankly I would gladly have watched artistry at this level all night."
2011 JANUARY SYDNEY FESTIVAL FIRST NIGHT JANUARY 8 (7:45pm) / MACQUARIE STREET, SYDNEY
APRIL
CITY RECITAL HALL ANGEL PLACE 28 April MAY CONCERT FOR JAPAN We have all been moved to tears and sadness by the tragedy that has overtaken Japan. It will no doubt take many years for Japan to recover from such a calamitous event, but the resilience and fortitude of the Japanese people will shine through and win the day in the end. To all of our Japanese friends, colleagues and teachers who have been affected by the disaster - really everyone in Japan - the Australian taiko community extends best wishes and prayful thoughts. In light of such terrible tragedy, the Japan Foundation of Australia has organised a charity concert. Featuring: TaikOz, Riley Lee Shakuhachi, Satsuki Odamura Koto, Sawai Koto Ensemble, Australian Chamber Orchestra Helena Rathbone, Satu Vänskä, Aiko Goto, Christopher Moore, Stephen King, Timo-Veikko Valve, Melissa Barnard & Julian Thompson and Brenda Jones Piano
Program includes: SAWAI Koto BACH Prelude from Cello Suite No. 5 KATS-CHERNIN Fleeting Moment for shakuhachi and string quartet SAWAI Illusion for violin, viola and kotos ONIKENBAI Traditional dance and music from Iwate Prefecture TAKEMITSU Distance de Fée for violin and piano BRAHMS String Sextet No.1, movements 2 & 3 LEE Passing Through Tears of Nectar for 2 violins, cello, shakuhachi and TaikOz
MAY 4 (8pm) / VERBRUGGHEN HALL, SYDNEY CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC, NSW
All money raised from ticket sales will go to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief. Additional tax-deductible cash donations at the concert will go to the Australian Red Cross. Additional tax-deductible cash donatio ns at the concert will go to the Australian Red Cross Japan & Pacific Disaster Appeal. To make a donation online at any time, please go to redcrossfundraising.org.au/concert_for_japan_4_may. The concert is supported by:
The TaikOz Quartet will be apearing at the Kangaroo Valley Arts Festival in a program featuring the beguiling Shima no Hana, dazzling Chi and intricate Kaigan Sen. Also on the program is Yuin Ghudjargah - a Shoalhaven-based Aboriginal dance troupe. MAY 7 (11am & 2:30pm) / KANGAROO VALLEY HALL, NSW
TaikOz heads to Taiwan in June, for a two-week tour presented by Warawa Arts. The concerts will feature some of TaikOz's most popular contemporary Australian taiko pieces as well as traditional Japanese works. JUNE 1-13 / TAIWAN more details
SEPTEMBER 4 / CAPITOL THEATRE - TAMWORTH
SEPTEMBER 10 - 11 / STRATHFIELD SPRING FESTIVAL - STRATHFIELD TaikOz will join Justice Crew, Natalie Colavito, SweetMojo and more at the Strathfield Spring Festival main stage on Sunday 11 September. The festival is held at Strathfield Park.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 22 - 25 / MOORAMBILLA FESTIVAL - COONAMBLE
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 7 - 8 / BIG DRUMS FOR SMALL PEOPLE Presented by SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL & Q THEATRE COMPANY, JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE During the upcoming October school holidays, TaikOz will collaborate with young musicians from Penrith to create a high-octane performance especially for children. Clap, jump and bounce your way through this energetic show perfect for children and families.
OCTOBER 16 / FLORIADE - CANBERRA
OCTOBER 26 -29 / REGINALD THEATRE, SEYMOUR CENTRE - SYDNEY Read Crikey's review here "...we can only but hope we hear, see and feel more of it"
2012January
TAIKOZ AND KENNY ENDO IN LIVE HOUSE Featuring Kenny Endo (USA), taiko Riley Lee, shakuhachi Please welcome for the first time to the Live House (and Australia!), Kenny Endo. Direct from California (USA), Kenny is one of the most versatile and broad ranging taiko musicians in the world today. Overflowing with his distinct 'jazz' influenced original works, Kenny brings a creative approach to music through his background in western percussion, world music and Japanese drumming. TaikOz and shakuhachi master, Riley Lee reunite with Kenny for some classic taiko beats. This is the perfect collaboration as TaikOz and Kenny are renown for forging new roads and sounds with traditional instruments. ABOUT LIVE HOUSE
The Live House series are our collection of intimate, pop-up concerts around Sydney that bring you the newest and most interesting collaborations, this side of the taiko.
Tuesday 24 January 2012 7.30pm The Italian Forum Cultural Centre Norton St, Leichhardt NSW Tickets: Adult $34 Concession $24 (General Admission only. No additional booking fees apply)
TaikOz sat down with Riley Lee to find out what makes the Live House series so special. Read on as we delve deeper into the processes and challenges of producing a concert when your guest star lives half way across the world!
1. What is the inspiration behind this Live House concert?Kenny's performing skills rival his teaching ability, and so TaikOz was delighted when he agreed to do a joint concert with us while in Australia as the TaikOz Intensive Guest Tutor.
2. Tell us a bit about your relationship with Kenny Endo. How did it begin?Kenny began studying for a Masters degree at the University of Hawai'i either just before I came to Australia to do my PhD in 1986, or soon afterwards. Hawai'i is a very small community, a bit like Australia really by more so, and the UH Music Department is even smaller. The community of people that were doing Japanese music there in the 1980s and 1990s was so small, that we all knew eachother. Our connection was greater still, as Kenny's supervisor at UH was also mine, Professor Ricardo Trimillos.
3. When was the last time you played together?I don't remember; possibly about 10 years ago, and even then it may have been in a very informal get-together. We may never have performed in a 'proper' concert together, so I'm really looking forward to the Live House concert.
4. How would you describe Kenny's style of playing?Kenny knows a number of traditional styles, having studied in Japan for many years. But if I were to describe his playing in one word, it would be 'joyful'. Kenny loves playing taiko, as do many people of course. Kenny is special however, because he can communicate his love for his music and instruments to his audience so powerfully.
5. What can audiences expect? Are there any particular styles or pieces featured that we haven't heard before?I do not know Kenny's composition that he will be playing with TaikOz. I can say that the audience can expect to be inspired by the jubilation of the performance. And yes, Kenny's style and his music will be different to what we've heard with TaikOz. 6. The Live House series aren't your typical main stage shows, they are quite intimate concerts that showcase what the group gets up to outside regular 'TaikOz' work. How does this influence your performance style and/or program for the concert?The Live House series give us all an opportunity to make music that might not be as appropriate on a large stage before a thousand strong audience. Certain pieces and certain types of music are more effective in an intimate setting. We can play around with subtleties, nuances and details that might be lost in a large venue. 7. Kenny won't arrive in Australia until a couple of days before the show. How do you both rehearse and talk about what the show will be like?One of the skills that professional musicians must have is knowing how to practice before the main rehearsals with others. Nowadays, with email and other forms of communication, it's not so difficult to discuss programs and pieces. For example, TaikOz is playing a piece by Kenny, who will send us the score, with or without a demo recording. The players will learn their parts from the score, and then fine tune things with Kenny once he's here.
8. What is your favourite thing about the Live House concerts?I assume you mean, as compared with other concerts. If so, what I like most about Live House concerts is what I mentioned earlier: the intimacy and the ability to workd with subtleties and detail. In shakuhachi music, these latter two elements are all too often lost 'in the mix'.
9. Small theatres and cheap tickets are a large part of the sucess of the Live House concert series. In your opinion, what else draws the crowd in for these special concerts?Ask the audience!
|
|||||||||||||||
|
