October 17, 2001
YAMATO BRINGS ANCIENT JAPANESE DRUMMING TRADITION TO VITERBO
LA CROSSE, Wis.—Experience the "rhythmic beating of the human spirit" through the physical music and the time-honored tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with "Yamato: The Wadaiko Drummers of Japan" on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
Meaning "Japanese drum," the Wadaiko is an ancient instrument believed to have existed in many parts of the world. With these drums, Yamato, the Wadaiko Drummers of Japan, create the moment that heartbeat coincides with the rhythm of the soul.
These 10 male and female drummers train their bodies daily in the intense taiko-do, a process that helps them provide the sometimes intense, often warm and funny yet always physical music, taiko. Reminiscent of "good old Japan," taiko portrays the power of life through the expression of different moods, times, and places.
Founded by Masaaki Ogawa in 1993, Yamato has performed throughout the world more than 700 times in the last seven years. Yamato both represents and is based in the ancient capital of Nara, Japan, where all its members were born and from which their quest for taiko sound originates.
Yamato, part of Viterbo University’s Bright Star Season, is sponsored by James G. Birnbaum and Ross A. Seymour, Attorneys-at-law, and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
Ticket prices are $22. To order tickets, contact the Viterbo University Box Office at 796-3100