Legends of the taiko world are coming to Sydney in June! Kodo’s Yoshikazu Fujimoto and Yoko Fujimoto, with interpreter Melanie Taylor, will be presenting a series of workshops in taiko, voice and movement on the long weekend of June 10-11.
[Photo of Yoshikazu Fujimoto and Yoko Fujimoto: Takashi Okamoto]
Many of you know of Yoshikazu and Yoko’s lofty reputations as artists in the famed Kodo ensemble, and we are thrilled that they, along with our old friend and colleague, top taiko interpreter Melanie Taylor, are coming to Sydney for this one-off series that focuses on exchange. For the intermediate to advanced student of taiko, this is a ‘must-do’ event! (See below for Ninin Angya bio).
There will be three sessions each day, plus a Masterclass that is for further exchange when you, or your group, can have the opportunity to perform for Yoshikazu and Yoko to receive valuable feedback and have the opportunity to talk further with them.
See below for session descriptions and booking a Weekend Pass, which includes admission to all 6 sessions and the Masterclass.
Watch out for details on our collaboration concert, too. It will be on June 9 at the Darling Quarter Theatre.
Weekend Pass (6 sessions, plus Masterclass): $400
5 Session Taiko Pass is now available (Odaiko, Yataibayashi, Yamada Hanya-bushi and Masterclass & Exchange). BOOK NOW
One Session Pass sessions, are now available. Sessions open to those wishing to attend 'one-offs' are:
Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
Masterclass and Exchange
“Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
Onikenbai with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
(please note that particpants need to have had experience in dancing &/or playing Onikenbai)
Weekend Intensive Timetable
June 10 (Su)
1) 10:00AM-12:00PM Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
2) 1:00-3:00PM O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Session 1)
3) 3:30-5:30PM Play Yatai Bayashi with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
5:30-6:00PM Q & A
4) 7:00-9:00PM Evening Masterclass & Exchange
June 11 (Mo)
1) 10:00AM-12:00PM “Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
2) 1:00-3:00PM O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Session 2)
3) 3:30-5:30PM Onikenbai with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
__________________________________________________
Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
“For some of us, singing is not part of our everyday life. If we don’t consider ourselves to be “good at singing,” sometimes we end up not singing at all or feeling unable to sing. Having a complex about singing is rather common. Perhaps this stems from a complex about using our voice in general, which is one of the main ways we convey our emotions and ideas.
When I discovered my own “big, beautiful, high-as-possible” voice, my singing, and voice in general, started to become freer. I began “Voice Circle” because I wanted to share that joyful experience of finding your own voice with many people. I want people to experience the wonderful harmonies created when a group comes together and simply lets their own voices echo out. When people share their voices, they are pleasantly surprised by the sense of comfort, the delight, sympathy and energy generated in the group.
Voice Circle incorporates Japanese children’s songs and songs from various regions in Japan. We’ll sing them together and touch on the lives and spirit of the people who sing and uphold these songs.
When you let your voice resonate with others, you will tune in to one another. Come along to release your voice and enjoy the sound and feeling of your voice melding with those around you.” - Yoko Fujimoto
もってくるもの:ペン
Things to Bring: A pen
__________________________________________________
O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
“O-daiko” means large drum. It usually refers to a drum of around 100 cm in diameter that is played on a high stand. In this workshop, you’ll plant your feet firmly, steady your core and use your entire body to beat the mighty drum, one powerful stroke after the other. Play the drum like you’re singing a song and see how far you can make its rousing beats resonate. The sky’s the limit!
__________________________________________________
Play Yatai Bayashi with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
Every year on December 3rd in Saitama Prefecture, an all-night festival is held featuring richly decorated yatai (carts) pulled from village to village. The people hauling the yatai are urged on by the powerful beating of the taiko, concealed in a cramped area of each cart. This gave rise to a technique of drumming while seated. Kodo arranged this traditional piece for the stage and its popularity spread through taiko groups throughout Japan and around the world. For many years, Yoshikazu Fujimoto stood center-stage as Kodo's featured O-daiko player and center-man for the Yatai-bayashi climax. In this workshop, participants will learn to play with the energy and spirit Yoshikazu pours into each beat.
__________________________________________________
“Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
Taiko is a percussion instrument, but you can’t simply beat it and expect good sound. So we use different techniques to make taiko “sing.” One is to sing and dance in your mind as you play the drum to give the sound a feel-good groove or bounce. In this workshop, we will introduce a traditional folk song from Sado Island, “Yamada Hanya Bushi.” We’ll make a circle and enjoy drumming, moving to the beat, and singing together. Come prepared to have a good time learning the taiko, song, and dance parts. By learning all three, when it’s your turn to drum, you’ll play taiko that “sings” and “dances” along with the group.
__________________________________________________Onikenbai
In 1998,Yoshikazu Fujimoto was recognized with the award of inka-no-sho (proof of Dharma transmission) for his proficiency in the demon sword dance, Onikenbai, upheld by Iwasaki Onikenbai in Kitakami, Iwate. Since 2007, he has been the dedicated head of Sado Island’s demon sword dance group, “Iwasaki-den Sado Onikenbai.” This dynamic dance uses three main props: a demon mask, a folding fan, and a sword. When you dance Onikenbai to the beat of the drum, you’ll feel the spirit of traditional Japanese culture with your entire body and experience a unique connection with Yoshikazu and the group as you synchronise your minds and movements.
__________________________________________________This is a duo project by Yoshikazu Fujimoto & Yoko Fujimoto, who are distinguished members of Kodo, Japan’s acclaimed taiko performing arts ensemble. “Ninin-Angya” means “a duo’s pilgrimage.”
Yoshikazu and Yoko met four decades ago as members of Kodo’s antecedent group, Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, and they have been married for over three decades. They have encountered many sounds and songs on Sado Island, on their travels, and throughout their years with Kodo. Thanks to their personal journeys as performers, coupled with their shared life experience, they create unique energy and feel-good sound whenever they perform together.
Their performances feature Sado Island folk songs, stories told through song, tunes from around Japan, and of course, taiko. As they share music and their love for the arts, they weave tales of their various experiences to date into the programme, which creates a warm, engaging performance every time.
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23 Nov to 24 Nov 2024
Keep up to date with all Taikoz new by subscribing to our newsletter
23 Nov to 24 Nov 2024
Legends of the taiko world are coming to Sydney in June! Kodo’s Yoshikazu Fujimoto and Yoko Fujimoto, with interpreter Melanie Taylor, will be presenting a series of workshops in taiko, voice and movement on the long weekend of June 10-11.
[Photo of Yoshikazu Fujimoto and Yoko Fujimoto: Takashi Okamoto]
Many of you know of Yoshikazu and Yoko’s lofty reputations as artists in the famed Kodo ensemble, and we are thrilled that they, along with our old friend and colleague, top taiko interpreter Melanie Taylor, are coming to Sydney for this one-off series that focuses on exchange. For the intermediate to advanced student of taiko, this is a ‘must-do’ event! (See below for Ninin Angya bio).
There will be three sessions each day, plus a Masterclass that is for further exchange when you, or your group, can have the opportunity to perform for Yoshikazu and Yoko to receive valuable feedback and have the opportunity to talk further with them.
See below for session descriptions and booking a Weekend Pass, which includes admission to all 6 sessions and the Masterclass.
Watch out for details on our collaboration concert, too. It will be on June 9 at the Darling Quarter Theatre.
Weekend Pass (6 sessions, plus Masterclass): $400
5 Session Taiko Pass is now available (Odaiko, Yataibayashi, Yamada Hanya-bushi and Masterclass & Exchange). BOOK NOW
One Session Pass sessions, are now available. Sessions open to those wishing to attend 'one-offs' are:
Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
Masterclass and Exchange
“Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
Onikenbai with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
(please note that particpants need to have had experience in dancing &/or playing Onikenbai)
Weekend Intensive Timetable
June 10 (Su)
1) 10:00AM-12:00PM Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
2) 1:00-3:00PM O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Session 1)
3) 3:30-5:30PM Play Yatai Bayashi with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
5:30-6:00PM Q & A
4) 7:00-9:00PM Evening Masterclass & Exchange
June 11 (Mo)
1) 10:00AM-12:00PM “Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
2) 1:00-3:00PM O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Session 2)
3) 3:30-5:30PM Onikenbai with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
__________________________________________________
Voice Circle with Yoko Fujimoto
“For some of us, singing is not part of our everyday life. If we don’t consider ourselves to be “good at singing,” sometimes we end up not singing at all or feeling unable to sing. Having a complex about singing is rather common. Perhaps this stems from a complex about using our voice in general, which is one of the main ways we convey our emotions and ideas.
When I discovered my own “big, beautiful, high-as-possible” voice, my singing, and voice in general, started to become freer. I began “Voice Circle” because I wanted to share that joyful experience of finding your own voice with many people. I want people to experience the wonderful harmonies created when a group comes together and simply lets their own voices echo out. When people share their voices, they are pleasantly surprised by the sense of comfort, the delight, sympathy and energy generated in the group.
Voice Circle incorporates Japanese children’s songs and songs from various regions in Japan. We’ll sing them together and touch on the lives and spirit of the people who sing and uphold these songs.
When you let your voice resonate with others, you will tune in to one another. Come along to release your voice and enjoy the sound and feeling of your voice melding with those around you.” - Yoko Fujimoto
もってくるもの:ペン
Things to Bring: A pen
__________________________________________________
O-daiko with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
“O-daiko” means large drum. It usually refers to a drum of around 100 cm in diameter that is played on a high stand. In this workshop, you’ll plant your feet firmly, steady your core and use your entire body to beat the mighty drum, one powerful stroke after the other. Play the drum like you’re singing a song and see how far you can make its rousing beats resonate. The sky’s the limit!
__________________________________________________
Play Yatai Bayashi with Yoshikazu Fujimoto
Every year on December 3rd in Saitama Prefecture, an all-night festival is held featuring richly decorated yatai (carts) pulled from village to village. The people hauling the yatai are urged on by the powerful beating of the taiko, concealed in a cramped area of each cart. This gave rise to a technique of drumming while seated. Kodo arranged this traditional piece for the stage and its popularity spread through taiko groups throughout Japan and around the world. For many years, Yoshikazu Fujimoto stood center-stage as Kodo's featured O-daiko player and center-man for the Yatai-bayashi climax. In this workshop, participants will learn to play with the energy and spirit Yoshikazu pours into each beat.
__________________________________________________
“Yamada Hanya-bushi” Taiko, Song & Dance Workshop
Taiko is a percussion instrument, but you can’t simply beat it and expect good sound. So we use different techniques to make taiko “sing.” One is to sing and dance in your mind as you play the drum to give the sound a feel-good groove or bounce. In this workshop, we will introduce a traditional folk song from Sado Island, “Yamada Hanya Bushi.” We’ll make a circle and enjoy drumming, moving to the beat, and singing together. Come prepared to have a good time learning the taiko, song, and dance parts. By learning all three, when it’s your turn to drum, you’ll play taiko that “sings” and “dances” along with the group.
__________________________________________________Onikenbai
In 1998,Yoshikazu Fujimoto was recognized with the award of inka-no-sho (proof of Dharma transmission) for his proficiency in the demon sword dance, Onikenbai, upheld by Iwasaki Onikenbai in Kitakami, Iwate. Since 2007, he has been the dedicated head of Sado Island’s demon sword dance group, “Iwasaki-den Sado Onikenbai.” This dynamic dance uses three main props: a demon mask, a folding fan, and a sword. When you dance Onikenbai to the beat of the drum, you’ll feel the spirit of traditional Japanese culture with your entire body and experience a unique connection with Yoshikazu and the group as you synchronise your minds and movements.
__________________________________________________This is a duo project by Yoshikazu Fujimoto & Yoko Fujimoto, who are distinguished members of Kodo, Japan’s acclaimed taiko performing arts ensemble. “Ninin-Angya” means “a duo’s pilgrimage.”
Yoshikazu and Yoko met four decades ago as members of Kodo’s antecedent group, Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, and they have been married for over three decades. They have encountered many sounds and songs on Sado Island, on their travels, and throughout their years with Kodo. Thanks to their personal journeys as performers, coupled with their shared life experience, they create unique energy and feel-good sound whenever they perform together.
Their performances feature Sado Island folk songs, stories told through song, tunes from around Japan, and of course, taiko. As they share music and their love for the arts, they weave tales of their various experiences to date into the programme, which creates a warm, engaging performance every time.
__________________________________________________