Nagata Shachu presents Hana November 18, 2011

Toronto’s pre-eminent Japanese taiko (drum) and music group release second video and present 13th annual production with new show titled “HANA”; the DVD launch is November 18 and the live shows are November 18, 19 and 20, 2011.

Toronto’s professional Japanese taiko and music group release their second live performance video in Canada titled “IROHA” (filmed at and the title of last year’s concert) and present their new and 13th annual live production called “HANA”: Through an array of taiko drums, flutes, shamisen, voice and movement, ‘Nagata Shachu’ will explore the true meaning of “HANA” at three live performance shows.

WHERE: Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto (207 Queen’s Quay West, 3rd Floor, Queen’s Quay Terminal).

WHEN: The DVD launch is Friday, November 18 (available for purchase at all three shows and subsequently via their website) and the three live shows are Friday, November, 18 and Saturday, November 19 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Advance tickets are $25.00-$35.00 (adults) and $20.00 (seniors/students) and are now available from the Harbourfront box office online at http://tickets.harbourfrontcentre.com or by phone at 416-973-4000 or email, tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com.

Canada's pre-eminent taiko soloist, founder and artistic director Kiyoshi Nagata, whose performance career spans 30 years, explains the theme of the new show, “Hana can mean flower or magnificent in Japanese. However, in the world of traditional Noh theatre, ‘hana’ is the term used to describe the flower of creating and sharing perfect beauty through performance. In achieving the goals of ‘hana’, a true performer seeks to cultivate a rarefied relationship with his audience, similar to the way that one cultivates flowers. Nagata Shachu’s production of “HANA” strives to strip away at the superficiality of ‘performance’, so that the inner essence of each performer is revealed to the audience.”

Since forming in 1998 and taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and ‘shachu’ (old term for a performing troupe), ‘Nagata Shachu’ is renowned for physically demanding performances, a diverse repertoire and the highest levels of musicianship and discipline. The group members are Kiyoshi Nagata, Scott Kusano, Aki Takahashi, Angela Colangelo, Akemi Akachi, Heidi Chan and Tony Nguyen.

To date, ‘Nagata Shachu’ has recorded five CD’s of original music (the most recent is called Tsuzure, released in 2008), and its first video, released in 2009, called ‘Nagata Shachu 10th Anniversary Concert’ (recorded live in 2008 at Ryerson Theatre, Toronto).

Combining thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms, the group produces a wide spectrum of sound. Featuring many Japanese taiko (including the massive O-Daiko), gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers, bamboo flutes and voice, ‘Nagata Shachu’ has toured throughout Canada, the USA and Italy.

While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, Nagata Shachu's principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that speaks to today’s audience and creates a new voice for the Taiko.

Quotes:

“It's another credit to this cosmopolitan city that one of the world's most interesting Japanese taiko drumming ensembles hails from Toronto. Since 1998, the nine-person group, headed by Kiyoshi Nagata has consistently added new layers of invention to the traditional drumming-and-dancing repertoire.” – John Terauds, Toronto Star.

“...Nagata's tremendous passion and discipline constantly manifests itself in mesmerizing performances.” – Errol Nazareth, Toronto Sun.

“...traditional Kodo discipline best displayed in Nagata's hypnotic solo piece and an apocalyptic show closer.” – Matt Galloway, NOW.

“Nagata can carry off both the technique and showmanship needed to make the taiko drums sing.” – Paula Citron, Globe and Mail.

Official Website: http://www.nagatashachu.com