LUTHER COLLEGE > Happenings > Luther News > Luther Center Stage Series presents the Wadaiko Yamato Drummers of Japan Nov. 4

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Contact: Jerry Johnson, Director of Public Information, 563/387-1865

Oct. 14, 2003

Luther Center Stage Series presents the Wadaiko Yamato Drummers of Japan Nov. 4

The Wadaiko Yamato Drummers of Japan, recognized worldwide for their youthful energy, humor and intensely physical performances, will perform Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m., in the Luther College Center for Faith and Life.

The Wadaiko Yamato performance is part of Luther's 2003-04 Center Stage Series. Tickets are on sale at the Luther Box Office, telephone (563) 387-1357. Ticket price is $16, $14 for students and senior citizens.

Founded by Masaki Ogawa in 1993, the company has performed over 900 times worldwide since its establishment. The group is based in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan where much of Japanese culture is believed to have started. The name Yamato represents the area where the members were born and where the research of Taiko sounds originated.

This is Yamato's second United States tour. In 2001, Yamato completed their world tour, performing 150 concerts in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. They previously performed in China, Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Sweden, Israel, Holland and England.

Yamato's 11 drummers use a variety of drums to creating an assortment of sounds and rhythms.

Taiko, the name for the Japanese drums and drumming style, originated over 1,400 years ago.

Yamato drummers create breathtaking beats using this simple instrument. Their goal is to express different moods, times and places with their rhythms.

The members of Yamato are well trained in "taiko-do" drumming. A typical day for a member of a performing taiko group includes running 10 kilometers in the mountains and completing 1,000-2,000 repetitions of Suburi weight training: swinging large taiko drum sticks overhead as if playing an imaginary drum.

Since the first Taiko drum group was formed 50 years ago, taiko drums have captivated audiences in Japan and around the world. Today there are more than 8,000 taiko groups in Japan, and their drumming is the first Japanese traditional music to extend throughout the world.

Taiko finds its place in both Buddhist and Shinto religious ceremonies, as well as in village festivals throughout Japan. These festivals have developed a rich supply of traditional taiko rhythms, giving a constant source of inspiration to modern players.

Upcoming events in Luther's Center Stage Series of professional performing arts events include the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella Choir on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and the Newport Jazz Festival's 50th anniversary tour Thursday, Feb. 24.

Photos by Lucienne Van Der Mijle

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