L.A. Matsuri Taiko announced their upcoming concert featuring Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, the world-renowned professional taiko ensemble from Tokyo, considered to have greatly influenced North American taiko.
The One Sound Concert takes place on Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo. It will be a celebration of the Hongo School of taiko, which emphasizes not only the technical aspects of taiko, but the discipline, etiquette, and spirit of the drum. Also joining them will be L.A. Matsuri Taiko’s sister group from the Hongo School, Venice Koshin Taiko.
With powerful and exhilarating performances by L.A. Matsuri Taiko and Venice Koshin Taiko, the evening promises to be an exciting showcase of the Hongo School’s traditional, yet innovative drumming style.
The founder of L.A. Matsuri Taiko, Master Etsuo Hongo, who studied traditional taiko drumming in his native Japan, brought his taiko experience to Los Angeles in 1973, and has been teaching generations of taiko players. Hongo School taiko groups perform original pieces composed by Hongo, and their keen focus on kata and sound are heavily influenced by Oedo Sukeroku Taiko.
The highlight of the show will be Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, whose style is known for its lilting and rhythmic patterns, its highly refined sound, and the dynamic movement of the drummers. Grand Master Seido Kobayashi will perform, along with other Oedo Sukeroku members, two different programs each day that will include classics, as well as more recent pieces that have never before been performed in the U.S.
The Saturday concert will also feature Verdugo Woodland’s Kinome Daiko.
General admission is $35.
In addition to the concert, Oedo Sukeroku Taiko will be holding taiko workshops on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Venice Japanese Community Center, 12448 Braddock Dr. in Los Angeles, where interested taiko players are invited to learn the group’s techniques and patterns directly from the members during this rare and special opportunity.
For more information on the concert and workshops, visit www.onesoundconcert.com.