The Modlin Center presents: Kodo Drummers of Japan
February 16, 2007
The Modlin Center welcomes a fantastic showcase of traditional Japanese taiko drums with Kodo, coming Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 pm at Richmond's Landmark Theater.
In Japanese, the word "Kodo" conveys two meanings. First, "heartbeat," which is the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations. Second, read in a different way, the word can mean "children of the drum," a reflection of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply, with the heart of a child. Kodo has been esteemed internationally and at home as a group dedicated to the re-creation of traditional Japanese performing arts.
Although the main focus of the performance is taiko drumming, other traditional Japanese musical instruments, such as fue and shamisen, make an appearance on stage in addition to traditional dance and vocal performances.
"If there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near as any group in the world," says The Chicago Tribune. New York Magazine says, "These drummers from Japan, inspired by the shapes and sizes of their many intriguing instruments as well as by the rhythms and dynamics of the music they play, performed with an athletic grace that was positively hypnotic."
Tickets are on sale now by calling Ticketmaster at (804) 262-8100, visiting the Richmond Landmark Theater box office, any Ticketmaster outlet or online at ticketmaster.com.
Sponsored in part by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation; Production support and ticket assistance made possible by the Suhor-Graham Foundation Visit Kodo on the Web