Taikoza

Taikoza.
Experience the thunderous rhythms of the ancestral Japanese Taiko drums and the magical sounds of the bamboo flutes. Hear the 100 lb. Taiko drum; give thunderous voice to traditional and new compositions.
Roughly translated, Taiko means big drums-and that’s exactly what Taikoza brings. Big Drums, powerful rhythms, and electrifying, room-thumping energy. This exciting group draws from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance to create a highly visual performance. With colorful traditional costumes and dynamic motion, Taikoza’s shows are immensely popular with audiences of all ages.
Drawing from Japan's rich tradition of music and performance, Taikoza has created a new sound using a variety of traditional instruments. In addition to drums of assorted sizes, Taikoza incorporates the shakuhachi and the fue (both bamboo flutes) and colorful dances.
The group has toured internationally and has appeared on ESPN, NBC, History Channel, etc. Taikoza’s music is featured on Nintendo’s wii game: Red Steel 1 and 2. The group has performed for the SUMO tournament at Madison Square Garden and tour.
Taikoza presents a very popular program for schools in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia and Virginia area for Young Audiences and Symphony Space. Taikoza did a tour of Birmingham, AL area schools funded with a NEA grant that the Birmingham International Festival received.

Taikoza was formed in New York City by members of Ondekoza (the group that started the renaissance of taiko in Japan in the 60s and introduced Taiko to the world).
The members of Taikoza have performed in some of the most prestigious halls such as Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Suntory Hall, Osaka Festival Hall, Lincoln Center and many others. They have performed in Russia, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland, Germany, France, Mexico, Republic of Georgia, etc.
Performances include corporate events for Merrill Lynch, Gillette, Ameritech, City of Los Angeles, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Dell Computers, PepsiCo, Bloomberg, Pfizer, Merck, Diesel, Sony, etc.
Htpp://Taikoza.com
Please contact Marco Lienhard at 646-418-8808 or email: shaku8@mac.com

Reviews

“The members gave their bodies over to musical performance at times a very physical and musical performance. - The highly appreciative audience was treated to physical dexterity, lovely and magical flute music ”
Boston Herald

“ These drummers were clearly enduring some metaphysical test, but less grueling in the program, Marco Lienhard’s deeply fanciful solos on the shakuhachi looked fully invested and with more than just energy. It is the layering of drums patterns and sonorities in intricate compositions that represent the key to the experience.”
Los Angeles Times

“The concert was full of stirring Music from Japan. From the most delicate and mournful bamboo flute song to the loudest and most pulsating beat, the dedicated passion of the musicians was inspiring”
The Richmond News Leader

“The musicians’ strong performance really livened up the audience. Taikoza’s energetic performance is a delicate mixture of tranquility and excitement and while using traditional Japanese performing arts they are successful at breaking national boundaries.”
The Arts Cure, 2003

“Taikoza is the definition of great art and the audience was not mistaken when they broke into thunderous applause.” FAN of Neuchatel

“The performance physical at times, meditative at times was very powerful and emotional. The visual beauty as well as the raw energy took the audience from the drummers pounding on the taiko. It created an emotional tension that was only released at the end with the audience’s heartfelt and thunderous applause. …. The members of Taikoza beyond their professionalism were able to make Taiko music more approachable to the audience”. Corriere del Ticino