The Nagata Shachu drumming group - from Toronto - has just concluded its 13th performance in its hometown, performing at the Toronto Harbourfront Centre on November 18-20, 2011.
Nagata Shachu (formerly the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble), based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy performing in theaters, concert halls, and major music festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group's principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Nagata Kiyoshi (surname first), and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline. The result is an unforgettable experience that is both powerful in expression and heartfelt in its sincerity.
Nagata Shachu has the unique distinction of having sponsorship from four major Japanese drum manufacturers. Since 1999, the ensemble has rehearsed in its own fully equipped and dedicated taiko studio.
This year's performance was called Hana- in support of a new DVD. Hana can mean flower or magnificence in Japanese - depending on which Kanji letter is used. In Noh theater, hana is flower, but used to describe the creating and sharing of beauty through performance. By doing this, the performer will achieve rarified relationship with the audience - apparently similar to the way one cultivates a flower.
I didn't really create all that. That was said by troupe founder and artistic director Nagata.
Wish I had the few dollars to spare, but from what I have heard, it was a great show. Basically, I just wanted to say, should the opportunity present itself where you have the chance to see this troupe or one like it - go. Do not hesitate. Spoil yourself.
Me... this blog thingie doesn't pay enough.
Regardless... here's a video to show you what we/I missed this time:
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
Nagata Shachu (formerly the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble), based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy performing in theaters, concert halls, and major music festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group's principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Nagata Kiyoshi (surname first), and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline. The result is an unforgettable experience that is both powerful in expression and heartfelt in its sincerity.
Nagata Shachu has the unique distinction of having sponsorship from four major Japanese drum manufacturers. Since 1999, the ensemble has rehearsed in its own fully equipped and dedicated taiko studio.
This year's performance was called Hana- in support of a new DVD. Hana can mean flower or magnificence in Japanese - depending on which Kanji letter is used. In Noh theater, hana is flower, but used to describe the creating and sharing of beauty through performance. By doing this, the performer will achieve rarified relationship with the audience - apparently similar to the way one cultivates a flower.
I didn't really create all that. That was said by troupe founder and artistic director Nagata.
Wish I had the few dollars to spare, but from what I have heard, it was a great show. Basically, I just wanted to say, should the opportunity present itself where you have the chance to see this troupe or one like it - go. Do not hesitate. Spoil yourself.
Me... this blog thingie doesn't pay enough.
Regardless... here's a video to show you what we/I missed this time:
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
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