Sacred Tree

For the past six years, the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble has presented an annual concert premiering new works by ensemble members. This year, veteran member Aki Takahashi makes her directorial debut with Sacred Tree.

Sacred Tree is a reference to the Japanese people’s relationship with, and reverence for, nature. Trees have special significance because of their many uses and ability to regenerate. Indeed, taiko drums are simply large tree trunks that have been masterfully carved into beautiful musical instruments. It is believed that a spirit resides within each taiko and it is the duty of the drummer to awaken it!

Sacred Tree offers a ritualistic and festive aspect to the thrilling music and taiko drumming of the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble. The concert features, among others, four female drummers playing complex and interlocking rhythms on the uchiwa daiko (fan drum) with choreographed movements adding a stunning visual element; one of the largest taiko drums in Canada requiring the total concentration and endurance of the soloist; Kon Kon Kon, a light-hearted piece featuring three vocalists, the Okinawan three-stringed sanshin, marimba and glockenspiel; and I-yo I-yo, a challenging 7-beat cycle where rhythms are quickly passed on from one drummer to another in a heart-stopping manner.