TaikOz

percussion

Since 1997 TaikOz has established a unique performance aesthetic that reflects the group’s passionate dedication to the forms of Wadaiko and a desire to create new music for today’s audiences.
The fundamental basis of TaikOz’s performance reflects three principal areas of creative endeavour: the creation of new taiko music by Australian and international composers, which is based upon study and performance of drum and flute music from Japan, and the interpretation of music of contemporary Japanese composers such as Maki Ishii and Eitetsu Hayashi. Our aim is not to simply transplant one culture’s music into another’s, but to allow a new form of music to grow upon a sure foundation of understanding and application of Wadaiko technique and spirit.
From this basis TaikOz has developed its own sound by drawing upon the input of its members, whose musical backgrounds range from years of study and performance in Japanese traditional music, symphonic music, jazz and pop, as well as esteemed colleagues and teachers in Japan.
Through the collective power of diverse, but sympathetic, creative spirits, TaikOz has been able to forge a style all its own that reflects the members’ high energy, commitment and joy in making music.
Highlights include an invitation to present an all-Australian program at Tokyo’s National Theatre of Japan alongside Eitetsu Hayashi, Fu-un no Kai and didgeridoo virtuoso Matthew Doyle. This followed a month-long tour of Australia with Eitetsu and Fu-un no Kai in 2006 marking the 30th Anniversary of the Japan-Australia Friendship Agreement. Previous collaborations with Eitetsu include the opening concert of the 2000 Sydney Festival, Kaikyousai Festival in Kobe and concerts at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre.
Further appearances in Japan include TaikOz’s 2005 tour where the group presented an all-Australian program at the Hibike Festival in Echizen and collaborative concerts in Kobe. TaikOz and Wadaiko Matsumuragumi have previously presented joint concerts and workshops at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
TaikOz recently presented concerts in Australia with Kodo. Five of the group’s senior soloists - Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Chieko Kojima, Yoko Fujimoto, Motofumi Yamaguchi and Eiichi Saito - collaborated with TaikOz on a program that drew on both ensembles’ repertoire featuring taiko, shinobue, dance and song.

Awards include the prestigious Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award in 2006 in recognition of TaikOz’s commitment to Australian music, as well as the 2007 Limelight Best New Composition Award and the 2005 Drover Award for regional touring and education.
The group has released three CDs and a DVD, which was recorded live in Sydney’s City Recital Hall, Angel Place.

Further information about TaikOz