KODO (Tsuzumi)

KODO is a group of Japanese artists, musicians and performers dedicated to the re-creation of traditional Japanese performing arts. The group, whose name can be translated as “heartbeat,” uses many musical instruments in performances, focusing primarily on taiko, traditional Japanese drums. To commemorate KODO’s 40 th anniversary in 2021, they created two touring productions based on their name, whose characters mean “drum” and “child.” This tour, Tzuzumi, takes its name from the drum character and traces the group’s origins back to the beginning, reflecting on the history and reaffirming what has shaped KODO. This work opens with modern composer Maki Ishii’s “Dyu-Ha,” a piece performed for the first time in North America since 1989. Other pieces include Ishii’s masterpiece “Monochrome” as well as KODO signature pieces such as “O-daiko,” “Yatai-bayashi” and “Zoku.” Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Local Resident, $5 Student