The Japanese artist group TAO is taking the world by storm. They performed the Melbourne leg of their Australian “SAMURAI OF THE DRUM” tour from July 6th to 11th at the Crown casino.
The Japanese drum group TAO aims towards an international standard of music and was formed in the Aichi Prefecture in 1993. In 1994 they moved their base to Kyushu and setup the TAO village in the scenic beauty of Aso-Kuju National Park. Spreading over a vast 40,000 square metre estate, the village is becoming an entertainment resort equip with things such as lodgings, a training dojo, a hotel, a live house, a guest house, restaurants, bars, a gym, and a studio, The TAO village is always expanding its networks of international events, musicians, artists, mass media, sponsors, as well as ever advancing it’s projects.
TAO is broken up into two teams for performances. This time it’s the RED team, which is the main performing group comprised of thirteen young artists, which has come to Australia.
As the members of TAO in addition to their musical training, also undergo muscular training as a part of their livelihood, these musicians boast an exceptional physique. One of the appeals of TAO is the balance of traditional Japanese music with a dance art form based on physical strength.
TAO’s full scale international tour began from 2004.
2008 Europe, Taiwan, Australia,
2009 Europe, Japan, North America
2010 Jan 26th- April 10th North American extended tour. The North American tour received overwhelming support.
2010 June TAO performs it’s third Australian tour.
TOUR DATES:
July 2nd-3rd Adelaide
July 6th-11th Melbourne
July 13th Canberra Theatre Centre
July 15th-17th State Theatre, Sydney
July 20th Civic Theatre Newcastle
July 23rd Gold Coast Arts Centre
July 24th Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Melbourne’s six day schedule is the longest in the tour.
One of the factors contributing to TAO’s superb performances is its international level of organizational.
This balanced production was built in stages over time. Behind this is a comprehensive training and education system integrated into life. Relentless practice and a high artistic level, are matched with traditional Japanese music to create the final product.
The visual of costume, lighting, and the stage set appeal to the audience with an overwhelming splendour, as the powerful echo of the drums and the delicate song of the flute sweep over them.
Movement and stillness, It’s great entertainment that combines traditional Japanese sensibilities with modern stage.
I for one will be keeping a close eye on TAO.
