Nagata Shachu presents: From Japan to Madagascar

  • Al Green Theatre

    750 Spadina Avenue
    Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Y4
Ticket Price (CAD) $33.00-$48.80 This event is now over
Description

On Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2024, Nagata Shachu will present “From Japan to Madagascar”, a double bill concert featuring the ten ten – an eclectic music ensemble, using Japanese and western instruments , which performs Japanese folk songs with a modern twist. The collective is directed by shamisen player and vocalist Ms. Aki Takahshi who is also the associate director of Nagata Shachu. The second half of the concert features a mashup of Nagata Shachu’s thrilling Japanese taiko rhythms with the African infused melodies of Madagascar-born, Toronto-based guitarist and singer Donne Roberts (a two time Juno award winner) with his band.

Venue Details

Al Green Theatre

750 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Y4 Al Green Theatre
Nagata Shachu

Nagata Shachu, based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The group has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy, and has performed at major engagements in Lebanon and Mexico. 

While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the ensemble’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and the Japanese word shachu meaning group, Nagata Shachu, has become renowned for its exacting, physically demanding and energetic performances on the taiko, as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit and passion with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline.

Nagata Shachu has the unique distinction of being the only group outside of Japan with the sponsorship of four major Japanese drum manufacturers, a testament to their mastery of the art form. They were awarded Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2019 for the promotion of cultural exchange through art between Japan and Canada.  In 2020 they were a finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation Roy Thomson Hall Award for its contribution to Toronto’s musical life.

In addition to having recorded five CDs of original music and five DVDs, Nagata Shachu, has produced its own annual concerts focusing on the presentation of new works. For the last nine years, Nagata Shachu has produced a three-concert season, featuring collaborations with both local and international artists.

Featuring an arsenal of taiko (including the massive O-Daiko drum), bamboo flutes, the three-stringed shamisen and an array of gongs, cymbals, shakers and wood blocks, Nagata Shachu will take you on a musical journey beyond all borders


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