The Beauty Of 8

11 Feb 2017

Infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, lavish costumes, huge drums and more

For one night only, Australia’s internationally acclaimed drumming ensemble Taikoz will leave you breathless as they perform alongside world-renowned taiko player and Kodo principal dancer Chieko Kojima and shakuhachi Grandmaster Riley Lee.

Infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, lavish costumes and huge drums deliver a spectacular experience in this exclusive Melbourne performance. The Beauty of 8 explores the many expressive qualities of the Taiko, contrasting masculine and feminine, extrovert and introvert, tradition and innovation. The title refers to the mesmerising shapes and figure of eight movements that are synonymous with the Yokouchi style of Taiko playing.

Guest artist Chieko Kojima’s mastery of the style, not to mention her own personal artistry, brings a level of sophistication and expressiveness that is not only beguiling, but also deeply spiritual. Trained as a dancer, Chieko seamlessly combines her love of movement, sound and rhythm into a performance that begs the question: Is it drumming? Is it dance?

Framed within a program of new music composed by Taikoz, The Beauty of 8 is a stunning collaboration that highlights the artists’ inner intensity, beauty of expression and synchronicity of sound and movement.

Melbourne Recital Centre in association with Asia TOPA

Sat 11 Feb 2017 7:30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall | Melbourne Recital Centre , Melbourne , VIC