Taiko Legacy 16

Program Description

Taiko Legacy is one of the largest taiko drumming concerts in the Midwest. This perennial presentation reunites professional contemporary and classical performers alongside enduring community members to celebrate over two decades of artist-directed performance.

The multigenerational ensemble, Tsukasa Taiko, anchors the traditional musical relationship between shamisen, dance, and taiko. The often-overlooked melodic capacity of the taiko is unattainable without a thorough awareness of the origins and craft of the traditional Japanese music. This ensemble performance explores the concept using original compositions and arrangements rooted in a broad range of musical styles including: ozashiki (geisha chamber music), minyo (folk music), ohayashi (classical/folk/theater music), and matsuri taiko (festival taiko music).

This year’s featured guests include San Francisco’s Melody Takata, the Gen Ryu Arts, and three classical music grandmasters from Japan: Chizuru Kineya, Hyakkyou Fukuhara, and Shijuro Tachibana.

This event is hosted at the MCA. Learn more about presenting an event at the MCA by contacting events@mcachicago.org.