Program
Echo
Masataka Kobayashi
Description
Description
Omiyage 御土産
Shoji Kameda, TaikoProject, arr. Felix Shen
The name of this piece means “gift”, and was created by Shoji Kameda and TaikoProject as a gift to the whole Taiko community. The dynamic movements and rhythms of Omiyage make this piece incredibly fun for both viewers and performers.
The name of this piece means “gift”, and was created by Shoji Kameda and TaikoProject as a gift to the whole Taiko community. The dynamic movements and rhythms of Omiyage make this piece incredibly fun for both viewers and performers.
Miyake 三宅
KODO, arr. Grace Gu
Stemming from the traditional roots of Miyakejima, this modern adaptation of a piece popularized by KODO features explosive solos and unbounded energy.
Stemming from the traditional roots of Miyakejima, this modern adaptation of a piece popularized by KODO features explosive solos and unbounded energy.
Hero
Masataka Kobayashi
A jaw-dropping display of power and technical skill, this piece pushes the limits of speed and endurance to illustrate the perseverance and strength of a true hero.
A jaw-dropping display of power and technical skill, this piece pushes the limits of speed and endurance to illustrate the perseverance and strength of a true hero.
Intermission
Echo
Masataka Kobayashi
Inspired by the Buddhist belief that both humans and animals are reborn in different forms, this piece uses dramatic movements to express the whirlwind of emotions that one experiences from rebirth.
Inspired by the Buddhist belief that both humans and animals are reborn in different forms, this piece uses dramatic movements to express the whirlwind of emotions that one experiences from rebirth.
Kagome 籠目
Masataka Kobayashi
A hexagram lattice is called a Kagome pattern in Japanese, which is often used in the mesh of woven bamboo baskets. This piece represents the unique feeling and groove of this hexagram arrangement.
A hexagram lattice is called a Kagome pattern in Japanese, which is often used in the mesh of woven bamboo baskets. This piece represents the unique feeling and groove of this hexagram arrangement.
Fight
Masataka Kobayashi
A dance song composed for a Jamaican festival, Fight explodes with dynamic energy and excitement. This piece aims to liven up not only the performers, but the audience as well.
A dance song composed for a Jamaican festival, Fight explodes with dynamic energy and excitement. This piece aims to liven up not only the performers, but the audience as well.
Yatai-Bayashi 屋台囃子
Ondekoza, arr. Felix Shen
A powerful piece, Yatai-bayashi is an arrangement inspired by the festive music and drumming that guides the majestic floats in the Chichibu night festival.
A powerful piece, Yatai-bayashi is an arrangement inspired by the festive music and drumming that guides the majestic floats in the Chichibu night festival.
Color
Masataka Kobayashi
The first piece in the trio of Color-Kuu-Fly, this song represents the mysterious introduction of color into a dark, monochrome world. Color emphasizes the movements of the body, creating the illusion of organized chaos.
The first piece in the trio of Color-Kuu-Fly, this song represents the mysterious introduction of color into a dark, monochrome world. Color emphasizes the movements of the body, creating the illusion of organized chaos.
Kuu 空
Masataka Kobayashi
The Japanese character for Kuu can mean both “sky” and “emptiness”. Following the introduction of color into the world through Color, this piece represents the vastness of the open sky.
The Japanese character for Kuu can mean both “sky” and “emptiness”. Following the introduction of color into the world through Color, this piece represents the vastness of the open sky.
Fly
Masataka Kobayashi, arr. Grace Gu
Fly is the final piece in the trio of Color-Kuu-Fly, and it represents what follows the emptiness of the sky. This song embodies the joy and wonder that comes after the suspense of the introduction to a new world.
Fly is the final piece in the trio of Color-Kuu-Fly, and it represents what follows the emptiness of the sky. This song embodies the joy and wonder that comes after the suspense of the introduction to a new world.
Gaifuu 凱風
Masataka Kobayashi
Meaning “wind of victory”, Gaifuu unleashes the full triumphant power of a taiko ensemble, culminating in the most powerful finale in Yamatai’s repertoire.
Meaning “wind of victory”, Gaifuu unleashes the full triumphant power of a taiko ensemble, culminating in the most powerful finale in Yamatai’s repertoire.