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Wadaiko
Ensemble TOKARA was founded on March 7th, 2004 in Nagano Prefecture,
Japan by Art Lee, who brought together various taiko and percussion group
members to begin the challenge of intensified training of the mind and
body in the strict discipline of the taiko. Since then, in less than two
years TOKARA has become a strong force in the world of taiko, both in
and out of Japan. TOKARA kicked off its international debut in 2004 with a six-week coast-to-coast tour of the U.S. and Canada. Then a two-month tour in 2005...both to critical acclaim and sold out audiences. TOKARA has performed as the main attraction in many events, including: Hamanako Hanahaku All-Japan Expo and the Taipei City 120th Anniversary World Music Festival. Averaging 65 performances a year, TOKARA has become known for its electrifying speed and power, as well as their own arrangements of movement that incorporate the smooth, circular motions of the Chinese martial arts and dance. In addition to the intensive process of continually reinventing new pieces and playing styles in an attempt to further develop the group’s originality, the members of TOKARA also continue to research and study traditional wadaiko pieces, and to incorporate arrangements of these pieces into their performances. Part of this process includes weekly practice sessions with Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi, who is reputed to have been the creator of taiko as a performance art over fifty years ago. With taiko as the main instrument, TOKARA also successfully fuses African and Korean drumming with Taiko to create a whole new world of performance. Members of the group have in the past, and/or currently train and perform with African Drumming, Samul Nori or Marching Band Percussion groups. Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA is led by Art Lee, who is renowned for becoming the first person ever to obtain permission from the Japanese Government in order to acquire an Artist Visa to live and work in Japan as a Professional Wadaiko Artist. Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA is an experience not to be missed. |
