Soh Daiko

This afternoon, Richard and I drove to Southport for a (free) Music for Youth concert. It was the last of the season. We saw a Japanese taiko ensemble, Soh Daiko. The concert was held across the street from the Southport Pequot Library at Trinity Church. As usual, we sat in the upper balcony by the altar (stage) so we were able to have a bird's eye view. The performance lasted about 50 minutes and included audience participation.
Let me tell you: this wasn't a boring performance and you could not doze off. For a sample of what their performance is like see the clip below (1:28 minute). Note the dance-like graceful movements.

Taiko: the Japanese word for drum. Developing out of ancient agricultural rites and the music of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, the beat of the taiko resounds throughout Japanese culture. Traditionally, taiko was used for ritual entertainments and festivals to summon gods and spirits, drive away evil forces, and give strength and courage to warriors. In the past 50 years, the word taiko has become a contemporary performing art, representing a new tradition of mass drumming that has spread across the globe.

The group has a varied repertoire including traditional compositions from Shinto music tradition,  existing taiko compositions, and original arrangements by its own members. In addition to drums, the group incorporates accessories such as bamboo flutes, brass bells, conch shells, gongs, African shekere, and Tahitian toere (wooden slit drum). Much more than mere percussion, Soh Daiko’s presentation also features the visual element of movement and choreography, requiring physical strength, endurance, and energy that makes taiko such an exciting performance experience.