Taiko Drumming Group To Perform Free Concert

Jan. 21, 2013 – The taiko drum performance group Taikoza will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 in Montgomery Gym at Allegheny College.

Drawing from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza has created a new sound using a variety of traditional instruments. In addition to drums of assorted sizes, Taikoza incorporates the shakuhachi and the fue, which are bamboo flutes, and the koto, a stringed instrument.

Taikoza was formed in New York City by members of Ondekoza, the group that started the renaissance of taiko in Japan in the 1960s and that introduced taiko to the world.

The members of Taikoza have performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Osaka Festival Hall and Lincoln Center. Taikoza has appeared on ESPN, NBC, the History Channel and other programs around the world. Their music is also featured on the Nintendo Wii game Red Steel 1 and 2.

Taikoza’s performance at Allegheny is sponsored by A5, the Association for Asian and Asian American Awareness, and the Japanese Club.

Photo by Lois Greenfield.