For more than 30 years San Jose Taiko (SJT) has mesmerized audiences and critics alike with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the taiko drums. North America's foremost taiko performers create a uniquely contemporary repertoire that fuses the traditional rhythms and melodies of Japan with American jazz and the world music of Africa, Bali, Brazil and Latin America. The company, featuring both men and women musicians performing on over 35 hand crafted drums, winds, flutes and percussion instruments, annually tours throughout the United States and to Japan.
SJT performers strive to express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the taiko as they strive to create new dimensions in Asian American movement and music. The resulting sounds are contemporary, exciting, new and innovative, bridging many styles, while still resonant of the Asian soul in America. Company members also study both traditional and contemporary dance with leading choreographers, producing performances that are fully choreographed theatrically lit extravaganzas of musical sound. Individual members of San Jose Taiko have also toured with Kodo, Ondekoza, Miyarabi Taiko and the jazz/fusion group, Hiroshima.
Under the artistic direction of Roy & PJ Hirabayashi, performance and expression are predicated upon a profound respect for each member of the group. The spirit and essence of both rehearsal and performance require physical endurance, with running and exercise required of all members during practice sessions. All compositions performed by San Jose Taiko are written or arranged by members of the group. Composing, choreographing, designing and producing costumes, and handcrafting of the drums are part of the holistic process in which all members participate. Through this singleness of mind and spirit, harmony is achieved and the music rings with unity and clarity.
Since 1987, when San Jose Taiko became one of the first American taiko troupes invited to tour Japan, the company has collaborated in joint concerts with internationally renowned Asian performing artists including Kodo, Ondekoza, Eitetsu Hayashi, Michiko Akao, Oedo Sukeroku, Osuwa Taiko and Miyarabi Taiko. SJT has also collaborated with artists and companies from other disciplines, including Brenda Wong Aoki, Mark Izu, Kenny Endo, Eth-Noh-Tec, and most recently with Anthony Brown, Marco Lienhard, Qi-Chao Liu, PressGang, and Michael Sasaki.
San Jose Taiko will give a free lecture demonstration for high school and college students on Wednesday, March 31 at noon in the RLAC Theatre. This event is open to the public. The lecture will introduce students and attendees to the history of taiko drums, the different instruments crafted and used by the company and the varied styles of playing. The one hour program is a mix of video, lecture and live playing.
San Jose Taiko will perform at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on Thursday, April 1 at 7:30PM. Tickets, $25 adults and $17 students/senior citizens. Call the RLAC Box Office at (717) 231-ROSE (7673) or visit the Web site below to purchase tickets.