One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of Sado Island. In Japanese, kodo can mean "heartbeat," the primal source of all rhythm, as well as "children of the drum." This program includes signature pieces honed through decades of world tours, including the mighty O-daiko drum solo and climactic Yatai-bayashi finale. They also pay homage to Maki Ishii's masterpiece Monochrome, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, and present new works by Kodo members and guest artists.
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The thunderous, joyful performances of Kodo, Japan's foremost taiko drumming ensemble, combine extreme athleticism with unfettered emotional power. Dadan, which means "drumming men," features the company's male drummers in a bold exploration of percussion and movement. "The speed and dexterity are as impressive as the physical tenacity is breathtaking" (Chicago Tribune).
The undisputed masters of the ancient art of taiko drumming, this revered ensemble is a global phenomenon, creating exhilarating soundscapes that cast a spell on sold-out audiences wherever Kodo appears. Performing in a centuries-old tradition of group drumming that utilizes handmade instruments of various sizes and timbres -- from delicate bamboo flutes to the thunderous 800-pound o-daiko drum -- the members of Kodo are known for both the musical and athletic dynamism of their performances, synthesizing thrilling sounds with the rigorous technique of martial arts.
One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of Sado Island. In Japanese, kodo can mean "heartbeat," the primal source of all rhythm, as well as "children of the drum." This program includes signature pieces honed through decades of world tours, including the mighty O-daiko drum solo and climactic Yatai-bayashi finale. They also pay homage to Maki Ishii's masterpiece Monochrome, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, and present new works by Kodo members and guest artists.
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The thunderous, joyful performances of Kodo, Japan's foremost taiko drumming ensemble, combine extreme athleticism with unfettered emotional power. Dadan, which means "drumming men," features the company's male drummers in a bold exploration of percussion and movement. "The speed and dexterity are as impressive as the physical tenacity is breathtaking" (Chicago Tribune).
The undisputed masters of the ancient art of taiko drumming, this revered ensemble is a global phenomenon, creating exhilarating soundscapes that cast a spell on sold-out audiences wherever Kodo appears. Performing in a centuries-old tradition of group drumming that utilizes handmade instruments of various sizes and timbres -- from delicate bamboo flutes to the thunderous 800-pound o-daiko drum -- the members of Kodo are known for both the musical and athletic dynamism of their performances, synthesizing thrilling sounds with the rigorous technique of martial arts.
One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of...
One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of...
One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of...
One of the most beloved taiko groups, Kodo explores the limitless possibilities of traditional Japanese drums with a practice rooted in their home of...