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A National Treasure of Japan, taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi will perform "Taiko Legend" with his accomplished ensemble, Eitetsu Fu-Un no Kai, and bamboo-wind maestro Makoto Takei in late October. A captivating blend of contemplative tranquillity and explosive emotion, the concert will feature five works heard in Hong Kong for the first time - three of which are Hayashi's own pieces - showcasing the huge talent of this taiko legend to the full.
Hiroshima-born taiko drummer Hayashi is one of the founders and lead performers of the renowned drumming groups Sado-Ondekoza and Kodo. In 1984, he made his Carnegie Hall dˆmbut with the American Symphony Orchestra. Since then, his solo career has taken him around the world.
Hayashi has originated a unique and emotive O-Daiko (big drum) solo style, with his mesmerising sound spectacles leaping beyond traditional taiko drum performances in technique, physical stamina and expressive range. He has appeared with top world orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is also the first taiko soloist to have performed at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Hall. His sonic map has extended taiko to other musical realms. He has collaborated with renowned jazz, rock, classical, and world music musicians, and artists from the world of dance. He received Japan's prestigious 47th Education Minister's Art Encouragement Prize in 1997 and the 8th Award for Promotion of Traditional Japanese Culture from the Japan Arts Foundation in 2001.
Hayashi believes that each beat of the drum has to go deep to arouse in the audience a boundless feeling, stretching back through time. And what he is pursuing is a sound that embodies nature, one that is both awe-inspiring yet serene.
Die Welt noted that "the fire of his music magically pulled us into a world of Nature and art ... The whole hall was vibrating ... A trance gave way to a standing ovation."
After joining the Pro Musica Nipponia in 1978, Makoto Takei took part in numerous domestic and overseas concerts as a player of the shinobue and shakuhachi. He has previously worked with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma. He has been a member of Eitetsu Hayashi's group since 1989.
Eitetsu Fu-Un no Kai - top young Japanese taiko drummers who resonate with Eitetsu Hayashi's music - make up this ensemble. Fu-Un no Kai relates to the opportunity for a great man to achieve aspirations through synergy. Founded in 1993, the ensemble's overwhelming power and live performances elicited strong rapport all over Japan. The members also pursue their own careers in other groups or as soloists.
"Eitetsu Hayashi: Taiko Legend" is one of the highlights of the World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged on October 28 and 29 at 7.30pm, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre.
Tickets priced at $400, $300, $200 and $130 are now available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities (including helper)and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
A free taiko exhibition illustrating the history of the taiko, shinobue and shakuhachi will be held between October 25 and 30 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer.
Local all-female group O Daiko will provide a free foyer demonstration providing a taste of the dramatic power of taiko drumming with Hong Kong characteristics on October 27 at 6.15pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Foyer.
Programme brochures for the World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.worldfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999.
Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:42
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