Date Composed:2008Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:November 29, 2008 - Ryerson Theatre TorontoRecording Title:10th Anniversary Concert DVD Jinari (rumbling of the earth) begins as an unaccompanied improvised solo. As the solo develops and quickens in pace, it is joined by the backing rhythms of the ura-uchi (back side...
Date Composed:2011Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:November 18, 2011 - Fleck Dance Theatre Three drummers, like rocks, sit calmly as they play their high-pitched shime daiko. In contrast, another trio of drummers sway their bodies back in forth vigorously yet gracefully, like a river flowing over the rocks. ...
Date Composed:2003Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:January 30, 2004 - Windsor Capitol TheatreRecording Title:Kiro CD A voice cries out in the night. The shamisen follows, echoing through the darkness. Other sounds appear, and then disappear, hidden in the shadows. Through the window, a mournful breeze enters, stirred by...
Date Composed:2004Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:October 16, 2004 - Hart House TheatreRecording Title:Kiro CD The shishi is a mythological creature that overlooks and protects the village. In this song, villagers of the seaside (hama), summon this guardian spirit from the deep waters with song and dance. The...
Date Composed: 2004 Composer: Aki Takahashi Arrangement: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: October 16, 2004 - Hart House Theatre Recording Title: Kiro CD Ben Ten, a female deity, is one of the seven gods of fortune associated with music, intelligence, and a clever tongue. This song, performed in honour of Ben Ten, attempts to recreate the...
Date Composed:2009Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 27, 2009 - Al Green Theatre, TorontoRecording Title:Iroha Live Concert DVD Batta (Grasshoppers) are everywhere in Japan. They hide in the meadows. Look closely and you can see them jumping and enjoying themselves in the green. Chappa is a percussion instrument and...
Date Composed:2010Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 5, 2010 - Fleck Dance TheatreRecording Title:Iroha Live Concert DVD The clear purple of an Iris. This purple possesses those qualities of elegance, presence, and charm that befit the early summer sky We hug our drum tight and, as if lulling a...
Date Composed:2005Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:October 13, 2006 - Al Green TheatreRecording Title:Tsuzure CD / 10th Anniversary Concert DVD Taiko is dance. Each subtle movement of the body is intimately linked to each beat of the taiko. While the various beats interplay and tangle, the seven drummers...
Date Composed:2012Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 10, 2012 - Enwave Theatre In Japan, the sword is considered sacred and inviolable. A sword blade must not be broken, dull or bent. The skill of Japanese swordsmith is world renowned. They developed a special process, combining hard iron around softer...
Date Composed:2012Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 10, 2012 - Enwave Theatre The horse was once a familiar and essential sight in many villages in Japan, used both for farming and as a packhorse. Mago was a person who led horses and carried passengers or baggage. They walked all day...