MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by Dennos Museum Center)
TRAVERSE CITY: The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College will present Nagata Shachu, a taiko (Japanese drum) ensemble, on Friday April 17, 2015 at 8:00 in the Milliken Auditorium of the Dennos Museum Center. Tickets for the concert are $27 in advance ($24 for museum members) and $30 at the door. Call the Milliken Auditorium Box office at 231-995-1553 for tickets or purchase on line at www.dennosmuseum.org.
While firmly rooted in the folk drumming traditions found throughout Japan, Nagata Shachu has worked to rejuvenate and redefine this ancient art form ensuring its relevance for the present. The ensemble produces challenging and dynamic works that seek to create a new voice for the taiko.
Under the direction of Kiyoshi Nagata, the ensemble has become recognized for its exacting yet physically demanding performances on the taiko as well as for its broad and varied repertoire. With an emphasis on music and technical fundamentals, the ensemble has created a unique performance style that is both powerful in expression and beautiful in its simplicity.
Nagata Shachu is one of only a few groups in North America that owns and performs on a complete set of authentic taiko imported from Japan. Combining thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms, the ensemble is able to produce a wide spectrum of sound. With their vast array of Japanese taiko, gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers and bamboo flutes, Nagata Shachu takes the listener on a musical journey beyond all borders.
Nagata Shachu will offer a Japanese drumming performance for schools on Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17 at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM in the Milliken Auditorium of the Dennos Museum Center. Call 231-995-1029 for information. The four performances are currently full with about 1,600 students participating over the two days.
I need only two words to describe the experience: simply breathtaking…Greg Brown, U of T Underground.
For more information on Nagata Shachu go to www.nagatashachu.com. Watch Nagata Shachu at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwIo4SfCHMg#t=14
The Dennos concert season is made possible with support from the Robert T and Ruth Haidt Trust, the Osterlin Performance Endowment, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, with media support from WNMC 90.7, CMU Public Broadcasting and TV 29&8. Housing for our performers is provided by the Cambria Suites and Country Inn.
The Dennos Museum Center is open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday’s until 8 PM and Sundays 1-5 PM. Admission is $6.00 adults, $4.00 for children and free to museum members. For more information on the Museum and its programs, go to www.dennosmuseum.org or call 231-995-1055. The Dennos Museum Center is located at1410 College Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, at the entrance to the campus of Northwestern Michigan College.