Theatre News

Yamato Drummers Of Japan Tour to Manchester & Buxton

Since their inception, Yamato have showcased their fresh and energetic take on Taiko drumming in more than 50 countries and in front of over 5 million people of all ages.

This new tour marks the company’s highly anticipated return to the UK, following the huge success of their 2008 show Heartbeat. Of their return Artistic Director Masa Ogawa says “We are really excited to be bringing our brand new show to UK audiences, who have always been so enthusiastic and supportive of our work”.
 
The Yamato Company was founded in 1993 in Japan’s Nara Prefecture by Artistic Director, Masa Ogawa, who explains the company’s ethos as : “Taiko is a musical instrument deeply familiar to every Japanese person. Since the dawn of history, Taiko’s rich reverberations have filled people with inspiration and encouragement in a wide range of settings. Its unmistakable sound is still heard throughout Japan today.”

Yamato play Wadaiko drums that range from the size of a plate to over a metre in diameter, including the Odaiko drum, hewn from one huge tree over four hundred years old. The sheer physical strength and movement of the drummers is as impressive as the music, in this visually spectacular and highly entertaining show.

The troupe tour to Manchester Opera House on 26 February and the Buxton Opera House on 6 March.