Crimson Sky: 11 explosive taiko players. Raw thunderous power. Dramatic major new commission. One night only.
Dance
Friday 30 March
Information
Introspection, meditative melodies and thunderous might sit alongside light-hearted exuberance in TaikOz’s Crimson Sky at Sydney’s City Recital Hall Angel Place on Friday 30 March 2012.
Australia’s cultural icons and premiere drumming ensemble also present virtuoso Satsuki Odamura on bass koto in a new masterwork, Toward The Crimson Sky composed by TaikOz Artistic Director Ian Cleworth.
With shakuhachi and shinobue (bamboo flutes), voice and bass koto (a traditional Japanese 17 string plucked instrument) Toward The Crimson Sky features all the elements TaikOz is famous for – hypnotic rhythms and adrenalin-fuelled performance.
Flowing and rippling, the work’s textures show the extremes of musical dynamics – thunderous drumming and translucent bamboo flute melodies. Audiences will be thrilled to hear an instrument rarely heard in Australia – the bass koto - and legendary bass koto player Satsuki Odamura will perform solo segments in the piece.
Based on a haiku by Japanese poet Miura Yuzuru, Toward The Crimson Sky is a colourful new work which evokes autumnal clouds, sky and dragonflies.
Crimson Sky (haiku by Miura Yuzuru)
aka-tombo red dragonflies
sarasara nagaru flowing like a ripple
akane-zora toward the crimson sky
The concert also features two new works by TaikOz members: Tom Royce-Hampton (Solace) and Anton Lock (Exploration). Solace is quiet, reflective and melodious and Exploration is highly rhythmic, dynamic and energetic. Ian Cleworth’s crowd favourite Ota.i.ko makes a welcome return. This ‘feel-good’ piece is big and fast-paced. It sees TaikOz joined by 4 members of Taiko no Wa (TaikOz’s ensemble of students who recently won the 2011 Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest).
“The aural and visual impact of 11 taiko players will be spectacular in Ota.i.ko,” adds Cleworth. “This number of players will make a mighty mega-ensemble of drums onstage.”
TaikOz Crimson Sky
Friday 30 March 2012, 7.30pm
City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney
Tickets $45 - $75, Additional fees may apply.
Venue
City Recital Hall Angel Place @ 2 Angel Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Price
45 - 75
Bookings
0292804260