Blog Posts

Hachi no Ji 八の字 (Figure Eight)

Date Composed: 2025 Composer: Kiyoshi Nagata Arrangement: Kiyoshi Nagata Premiere Performance: Harbourfront Centre Theatre Recording Title: N/A Eight is considered lucky number in Japanese as the physical shape of the kanji character, 八 , which broadens gradually at the bottom, symbolizing expanding or growing fortune and prosperity. In this piece, eight drummers are arranged on...

Iyasaka

Date Composed: 2025 Composer: Aki Takahashi Arrangement: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Harbourfront Centre Theatre Recording Title: N/A  ...

Kami Kagura

Date Composed: 2023 Composer: Aki Takahashi Arrangement: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Hart House Theatre Recording Title: N/A  ...

Taiyo no Dansu (Dance of the Sun)

Date Composed: 2024 Composer: Kevin He Arrangement: Kevin He Premiere Performance: June 21, 2024 - Fleck dance Theatre Recording Title: N/A Musician Kevin He has selected a well known Chinese folk melody from Sichuan Province by the name of "Joyous as the sun comes out" to inspire this new piece of music. Traditionally sung by...

Karu Hazumi

Date Composed: 2024 Composer: Atsushi Kato Arrangement: Atsushi Kato Premiere Performance: June 21, 2024 - Fleck Dance Theatre Recording Title: N/A This new piece combines "Karui” (light) and "Hazumu” (bouncy, momentum) for a song meant to be upbeat, yet relaxing. The main part becomes a mirror and is played inverted in some places, along with...

Sawage Uta/Sawage!

Date Composed: 2024 Composer: Aki Takahashi Arrangement: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: June 21, 2024 Recording Title: N/A  ...

Times are Changing

Date Composed: 2024 Composer: Kiyoshi Nagata Arrangement: Kiyoshi Nagata Premiere Performance: June 21, 2024 - Fleck Dance Theatre Recording Title: N/A This piece incorporates different pitched taiko, atarigane (bronze hand gongs), hyoshigi (wood blocks) and gongs, playing rhythms in various time signatures. The rhythmic patterns mix and mingle with each other creating a shifting soundscape...