KODO: March 16
Danú: March 17
This weekend, we celebrate two very different cultures with our presentations of the Japanese taiko drumming group, KODO, and one of today’s leading traditional Irish ensembles, Danú. These artists have entertained audiences around the world, so we asked them a few questions about why their art forms are so engaging and what they convey about their backgrounds.
We first spoke with Hayato Otsuka, a taiko drummer and member of KODO since 2016, and asked him to give us us a little background on his art and how it reflects his culture.
“The history behind taiko in Japan is very old. It has been said that taiko was used as a means of communication in ceremonies, festivals, battles, and it was used in various traditional performing arts styles that tie communities together today. KODO believes in the endless possibilities of music and culture through this Japanese drum called taiko. While cherishing the Japanese traditions and arts that are handed down by generations, we are constantly pursuing new ways of artistic expression.”
We also asked Mr. Otsuka what he would like to say to first-time patrons of KODO.
“I would like all our audience members to experience and learn more about Japanese culture and taiko drums, however, I think what you feel and take from the performance is up to you. I just want everyone to purely enjoy it. Also, I think that the sound of taiko goes beyond language and culture barriers and appeals to the hearts of anyone watching or listening. I’d like you to experience the comfortable vibrations that reverberates throughout the theatre, the overlapping sounds, and the emotions that are expressed from us performers.”
We also asked Benny McCarthy, accordion player for Danú, to give us an idea of what patrons can expect from his ensemble’s performance. He said, “We are all musicians and singers of traditional Irish music and song. We have all spent most of our life learning and playing our instruments. Ireland has a very rich music and song culture dating back centuries and we will be performing, but also speaking about that in our own local accents.”
Mr. McCarthy also shared this fun fact: “Danú was the Queen Celtic Goddess! That’s where we got our name.”
We invite you to join us for these dynamic and inspiring global performances!
Learn more about KODO.
Learn more about Danu.
KODO
Satuday, March 16 at 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $30.
Danú
Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $30.