Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Be dazzled by the sheer power, precision and energy of Taikoz 4tet Live! when BEMAC brings the celebrated Sydney-based taiko ensemble’s 4-piece performance to the Queensland Multicultural Centre (QMC) on May 3 at 8pm.

Don’t let the size of the group fool you! The four Taikoz dynamos conjure an energetic, dramatic, and at times, explosive set that has all the hallmarks of the full-piece ensemble.

Designed for more intimate spaces that allows the audience to hear and feel the rhythm and emotion as the players do, Taikoz 4tet Live! is an exhilarating program that begins with Waves – Ian Cleworth’s mesmerising, virtuosic, poly-rhythmic 2-tone slung-drum solo – and continues to burn in energy until the soaring, uplifting finale – US taiko player/composer Joe Small’s choreographic drumming spectacle, Propel.

From the small, high-pitched shimedaiko to the deep base tones of the odaiko, Taikoz’s taiko combine with soulful singing and spirited movement to create a varied and entertaining concert suitable for all ages.

Formed in 1997, Taikoz are credited with not only being an early Australian taiko ensemble, but for broadly expanding Australian interest in this dynamic Japanese percussion style. Since 1997 Taikoz has developed an international reputation for vibrant performances that couple explosive energy and extreme dynamism with refinement and grace. From the most delicate melodies of the shakuhachi to the thunderous impact of the odaiko, Taikoz is at once meditative and free-spirited, primal and dramatic.

Featuring all the unique drama, vibrancy and musicality that Taikoz is famous for, Taikoz 4tet Live! delves deeply into the roots of the taiko drum, with a contemporary twist.

Taikoz Quartet! premiered in Sydney at the Darling Quarter Theatre in May 2017 to a full house and recently performed at the Bellingen Fine Music Festival. With four performers, a multitude of drums and the Shinobue (Japanese flute), audiences will be swept up on a thrilling musical journey in the intimate setting of the QMC.

“You don’t just listen to this music. You see it and feel it, too. Totally compelling.”

– Sydney Morning Herald

Featured non-Australian music: Joe Small

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (07) 3391 4433

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• Music of Ian Cleworth
• Performer TaikOz