Taiko drumming infused with hip hop, electronica, rock and vocal effects?
It’s like nothing you’ve heard before—hypnotic, percussive, exhilarating—unless, of course, you are already familiar with the path-breaking On Ensemble. Experience this twenty-first-century take on an ancient Japanese art on Friday, January 21, as part of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 2010-11 Performing Arts Series.
The young musicians who comprise On (pronounced “Ohn”) Ensemble knock out a unique sound that’s been described as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” On Ensemble’s four members—Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood—are individually recognized and sought after as teachers, workshop leaders and performers.
Since the group’s inception in 2002, On Ensemble has performed in concert halls, theaters and outdoor venues throughout the United States and Canada, from intimate spaces to large auditoriums. On Ensemble’s dynamic performances appeal to adventurous, curious music-loving audiences of all ages.
In 2005, On Ensemble released its first studio album, Dust and Sand, to critical acclaim. The independently produced album spent several months on the New Age Reporter charts, reaching as high as number three in October 2005 and contining to enjoy national airplay. In 2006, the ensemble released its first DVD, Neiro, and in 2007 its first live CD and second DVD, Live at the Cerritos Center. In 2009 On Ensemble released its second studio album, Ume in the Middle.
Constantly looking for new ways to utilize taiko, On Ensemble seeks out collaborations with adventurous artists. In 2006, the ensemble spent a week in Montreal developing and performing “Project GO” with multitalented percussionist Patrick Graham. In 2007, On Ensemble combined forces with the Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble for a sold-out performance at Southern California’s Cerritos Center, prompting local music critic Glen Creason to call the band “one of the most innovative and musically fresh groups to ever take the stage.” On Ensemble has also collaborated with renowned choral-music composer Eric Whitacre and performed in concert with taiko master Kenny Endo.
“Musically they will blow you away,” says Kristine Bretall, Sun Valley Center Marketing Director, “but equally important to us at The Center was their strong interest and experience in working with students.” While in the Wood River Valley, On Ensemble will present three interactive demonstrations that lead students through the history of Japanese drums, from the instruments’ ancient origins to modern musical uses. Each presentation includes percussion, Japanese culture and musical concepts and culminates in students joining the artists to try the large drums. A fourth presentation will be to the entire Wood River High School in conjunction with Footlight Dance, whose director, Hilarie Neely, has choreographed three pieces to perform while On Ensemble serves as their live accompaniment.
The performance and residency is made possible with support from the Western States Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the performing arts series is sponsored in part by Barbara & Tod Hamachek and Gail & Jack Thornton.
Tickets for the Friday, January 21 performance by On Ensemble are $20 for Sun Valley Center for the Arts members and $30 for nonmembers. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm at the Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum.
To purchase tickets, visit www.sunvalleycenter.org, call 208.726.9491 ex 10 or stop by The Center in Ketchum.
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