Kodo
The taiko: a traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities. Kodo’s mission is to explore these possibilities, and in the process forge new directions for a vibrant living art-form.
Since the group’s debut at Berliner Festspiele in 1981, Kodo has given over 6,500 performances in 52 countries on five continents. This figure includes 4,000 performances under the “One Earth” banner, a theme that embodies Kodo’s desire to transcend language and cultural boundaries, all while reminding their audiences of the common bonds we all share as human beings. In addition to its theater schedule, Kodo enjoys working with thousands of school children across Japan through its ongoing “School Workshop Performance” tours. The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks, and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.
About the Session
Journey to Kodo Village
Kodo, Japanese taiko performing arts ensemble, has been thrilling audiences across the globe with their powerful and precise drumming and since their inception in 1981. When not touring, the company is home on Sado Island where they have created Kodo Village, a compound that includes an administrative building, a residential building and a practice hall that houses Kodo’s astounding collection of drums and percussion, including their signature 882 pound o-daiko. In this presentation, members of Kodo will give a virtual tour of Kodo Village and demonstrate a wide range of traditional Japanese instruments, rhythms and performing arts styles.
New York-based artist and former Kodo member Kaoru Watanabe will host this session.