Don’t miss out on your chance to see KODO when they bring their One Earth Tour to Los Angeles at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Their new program Tsuzumi will span the numerous decades since the group was founded back in 1981, highlighting the music and tradition that’s been ceaselessly passed on and shared with the world thanks to the group’s efforts. Tickets for the event are on sale now from $69-$144.
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For those unfamiliar, KODO performances revolve around the use of the taiko — a traditional Japanese drum. One of the translations of the word (“heartbeat”) is an appropriate nod to the deeply primal and soothing rhythms created by the musicians who operate the drums. The word’s other meaning (“children of the drum”) points to the idealized spirit with which those same musicians try to perform and embody.
Over the course of thousands of performances across over four dozen countries, KODO has become an example of the ways traditional cultural music can transcend barriers like language. They are without a doubt the most well-known and far-touring taiko group today — they’ve supplied their talents to everything from a Nobel Peace Prize Concert, created the official anthem for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, created music for movie soundtracks, and musical dance plays.
Their performances under the “One Earth” banner are particularly devoted to introducing more and more people, especially those outside Japan, to KODO’s music. And although the taiko is the literal centerpiece of many of their shows it’s by far the only instrument or means through which you will be blown away on any given night. You’ll also see them use a fue (bamboo flute) and shamisen (a three-string instrument), as well as traditional dances from Japan and stunning vocal performances. If there was ever a better night or group to induct you into the splendor of this tradition — we don’t know about it. Where else can you catch an internationally reputable taiko group like KODO?
See KODO performing their One Earth Tour: Tsuzumi at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Jan. 31. Tickets are on sale now starting from $69-$144. And make sure you don’t miss out on all the other events taking place in 2023 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall: there’s Ziggy Marley on Mar. 16-17; Herbie Hancock on Apr. 2; Rufus Wainwright on Jun. 2; and so many more!
Head to the LA Phil website to see all the other events taking place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Words by Steven Ward
