Tag ‘Performances’
“The 2017 ‘Michi’ Performances Have Begun” by Narumi Matsuda
Mar. 19, 2017
The 2017 “Michi” Performances Have Begun
Yesterday the 2017 “Michi” performances began with a concert at Fussa Shimin Kaikan in Tokyo.
Today, we have our second performance at Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (a.k.a. Rune Kodaira), also in Tokyo.
This is the third time I have been to this venue. My first time was in 2010 when Kodo performed here on the opening night of my first “One Earth Tour” as a company manager. The second was in 2014 with “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery.” Looking back, those were both times in my career when I was really stretched.
There are only six performances of “Michi” this year. Each day, the cast and staff are all working hard against the clock. I want to make each and every performance count. I hope to share theses performances with as many people as possible.
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance 2017 “Michi”
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #2 Gunjo” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #2
Gunjo
Techincally speaking, this is not a new piece. However, it has only been performed twice at Earth Celebration, so it will be performed outside Sado Island for the first time in “Michi.”
Gunjo means ultramarine blue.
Imagine the sparkling ultramarine blue of the summer sea stretching out in front of you.
This piece was created to depict the exhilarating feeling of wanting to run out to sea and the sensation of sprinting.
It’s only March, but this piece will make you feel like it’s mid-summer on Sado Island!
I hope you’ll look forward to hearing it!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“New Compositions for Kodo Special Concert 2017 ‘Michi’: #1 Shiun” by Mitsuru Ishizuka
New Compositions “Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”: #1
Shiun
As well as classic powerful pieces from Kodo’s repertoire, we will share some brand new compositions created by current Kodo members in the upcoming “Michi” performances.
Shiun was composed by petite powerful drummer Maya Minowa. Breaking free from Kodo’s firmly-rooted image of gentle, elaborate female performers, this piece arose from a discussion where I said I’d like to hear women playing taiko that is awe-inspiring, powerful, and uses all their willpower and physical power.
“Fighter Minowa” called on every fibre of her being to create this piece, and in “Michi” it will be performed by three young female performers: Maya, Mizuki, and Tomoe. They will drum with all their might! Come along to see how this new piece has turned out!
Don’t miss it!
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“The 2017 ‘Michi’ Programme” by Narumi Matsuda
The 2017 “Michi” Programme
At Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”, we will present a selection signature numbers that Kodo has treasured for many years. We look forward to sharing these classics with you live!
The programme will feature Miyake, Monochrome, Mine no Kaze, Zoku, Irodori, O-daiko, Yatai-bayashi, and more!
Here is a brief introduction to some of the pieces on the lineup:
Miyake (Arranged by Kodo)
This piece is based on the unique style of drumming played at local festivals in the Kamitsuki Region of Miyake Island, one of the seven volcanic islands of Izu south of Tokyo. The drums are set very low to the ground, requiring a strenuous stance, and the performers drum with relentless power, like ocean waves beating upon the island shore.
Monochrome (Composed by Maki Ishii)
Weaving constant rhythmic patterns together with highly irregular ones, Monochrome develops spirally to an exciting climax. The listener might interpret the sounds as those of the changing of the seasons, or perhaps even the progression of life itself. The ambitious pace greatly expands the range and power of expression of the roped shime-daiko.
O-daiko (Arranged by Kodo)
This great drum, carved from a single tree, measures about 4 feet across and produces intense sounds that possess a deep tranquility. Lose yourself in the vibrations created when the power of the ancient drum and the pure drive of the drummer become one.
Yatai-bayashi (Arranged by Kodo)
Every year on December 3rd in Saitama Prefecture, an all-night festival is held featuring richly decorated two story ‘yatai’ (carts) pulled from village to village. The people hauling the yatai are urged on by the powerful beating of the taiko, concealed in the cramped first story of the carts. This gave rise to a technique of drumming while seated. Our version of the traditional Yataibayashi is played at a faster tempo, giving it a unique and fervent flavor.
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“The 49th Country on Kodo’s Performance Travels: Vietnam” by Yui Kawamoto
The 49th Country on Kodo’s Performance Travels: Vietnam!
Kodo just gave its first-ever performance in Vietnam! It was a school performance that was closed to the public. We were so happy to see Earth Celebration 2016 guest artist Bac Ha again.
Next up, we have performances on Oct. 14 (tonight) and Oct. 17.
- Oct. 14 (Fri), 2016 Kodo Guest Appearance at Dong Kinh Co Nhac Performance, part of Kodo Debut Performances in Vietnam “On Location with ‘Project Connect Asia with Traditional Performing Arts'” (Hanoi, Vietnam)
- Oct. 17 (Mon), 2016 Kodo Vietnam Performance “The 2nd ‘Asia–Europe’ New Music Festival in Vietnam 2016 –The Friendship Melodies Concert–” (Vinh Yen, Vietnam)
“Meet-the-Press Session for Hong Kong ‘DADAN 2015′” by Mio Teycheney-Takashiro
Oct. 29, 2015
Meet-the-Press Session for Hong Kong “DADAN 2015”
Our second day in Hong Kong began with preparations at the venue, and then we took part in a “Meet-the-Press” session this afternoon.
Our performance tomorrow will be Kodo’s first one in Hong Kong since 1986. That’s 29 years ago!
The performers will all do their best on stage in the hopes that each audience member will feel the powerful energy of “DADAN” resonate throughout their entire body.
Kodo “DADAN 2015” Hong Kong Performances
Oct. 30 (Fri) & 31 (Sat), 2015 Sha Tin Town Hall, Hong Kong SAR, China
The Curtain Rises on “Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2015: Spring”!
Apr. 26, 2015
Our popular annual concert series, “Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island,” started with a bang (don!) yesterday on April 25. We also welcomed a large audience today, from all around Japan as well as from overseas.
The remaining performances will take place from May 2 through 5. This is during Japan’s public holiday cluster known as “Golden Week.” If you’re on holiday or visiting Japan, it’s a great time to come to Sado Island. You can even get to Ogi with ease thanks to the new fast ferry service “Akane,” departing from Naoetsu Port.
The Special Performances, centered around Kodo’s Distinguished Members, take place at Shukunegi Community Hall, a retro playhouse in the heart of the traditional village of Shukunegi. This picturesque settlement is classified as one of Japan’s “important traditional building preservation areas.” We hope you’ll come to enjoy spring on Sado with Kodo and taiko this week!
Here’s a message (in Japanese) from cast members Yoshikazu Fujimoto and Chieko Kojima, telling everyone about the programme.
▶Watch on Youtube https://youtu.be/NX8F05OyoTQ
Thank You for Coming to Our “Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn”
Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn
Many people came to see Kodo’s performances at Shukunegi Community Hall this fall. The performers created a colorful world on stage with a joyful atmosphere to suit the harvest season. Thank you all for coming along!
After each performance, the performers played taiko outside to farewell the audience. The sound of taiko echoed out clearly, high into the sky.
Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn
Oct. 2 (Thu)–Oct. 5 (Sun), 2014 Shukunegi Community Hall, Ogi Peninsula, Sado Island, Niigata
Appearing: Kodo (Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Chieko Kojima, Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Ryosuke Inada)
Special Appearance: Yoshie Abe
Thank You for Coming to Earth Celebration 2014!
Earth Celebration 2014
We would like to thank you for joining us for Earth Celebration 2014!
Next year, Earth Celebration will be held from Aug. 21 (Fri) through Aug. 23 (Sun). Further details will be announced in May 2015. We hope to see you all here again next summer on Sado Island!
There is an online EC questionnaire form on the official EC website. We would really appreciate your feedback on the festival this year. Thank you in advance!
Earth Celebration | http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/en
Photos from EC 2014 Shiroyama Concert “UMI / OCEAN” on Aug. 22, 2014. (Photos: Maiko Miyagawa, Takashi Okamoto)