Hong Kong – “Warabe” by Japanese taiko performing arts ensemble Kodo to open LCSD’s Great Music 2023 (with photos)

     After a hiatus of eight years, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) once again has invited Kodo, Japan’s taiko (Japanese drumming) performing arts ensemble, to perform in Hong Kong in early September, bringing Hong Kong audiences one of its 40th anniversary productions, “Warabe”. It is the first time for this piece of work to be performed outside Japan. This soul-inspiring Japanese drum music will also kick-off the Great Music 2023.
 
     Kodo has created two pieces of works based on its name: “Tsuzumi” and “Warabe”. The theme of “Warabe” surrounds its home base, Sado Island, where the ensemble creates the work by drawing inspiration from the location’s unique environment. Kodo’s “Warabe” references its classical repertoire and aesthetics from its early years. It presents various simple forms of taiko expression that celebrate the unique sound, resonance and physicality synonymous with Kodo. In addition, “Warabe” brims with diverse creative expression, filled with taiko drumming, regional performance art, traditional vocals, dance performance and more, which combine to create soul-touching rhythms of life with new music sparkling with originality.
 
     Kodo’s mission is to explore the possibilities of the traditional art of taiko, and in the process forge new directions for a vibrant living art form. Since Kodo’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, it has given over 7 000 performances in 53 countries on five continents. The Boston Globe, a United States newspaper, once commented on Kodo’s performance, “Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.”
 
     “Warabe” by Kodo will be held at 7.30pm on September 8 and 9 (Friday and Saturday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Each performance will run for about two hours, including an intermission of 20 minutes. Tickets priced at $180, $280, $380 and $480 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1580.html.
 
     In addition, Kodo, together with local arts group Refiner Drums, will present a free performance at 2pm on September 10 (Sunday) at the Foyer of the HKCC. Both groups will perform their own pieces respectively and collaborate on stage. Transcending languages and cultural boundaries, the performance will allow members of the public to enjoy Chinese and Japanese drum music up close, and experience its artistic charm. The performance will run for about 45 minutes. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.
 
     The LCSD will present the Great Music 2023 from September to November. Various internationally acclaimed musicians and ensembles will gather in Hong Kong to perform an array of exciting and diversified music programmes. For more details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1576.html.