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The world’s most celebrated taiko drum company @KodoHeartbeatEn embarks on their first American tour, premiering creative and vibrant new production “Evolution” at @KimmelCenter 3/12. More info @ kimmelcenter.org
Press Contact:
Lauren Woodard
215-790-5835
LWoodard@kimmelcenter.org
Jessica Christopher
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THE WORLD’S FOREMOST TAIKO DRUMMING ENSEMBLE
KODO PRESENTS THE PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE
OF EVOLUTION ON THE
KIMMEL CENTER CULTURAL CAMPUS
MARCH 12, 2019
“A celebration of music, of physicality, of life.” – The New York Times
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, January 31, 2019) - The world’s most celebrated professional taiko company Kodo presents the Philadelphia premiere of Evolution in the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Evolutioninvites audiences to step into the world of Kodo – a world that explores the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the traditional drum, all the while forging new directions for the vibrant and living art-form.
This one-of-a-kind production showcases a wide variety of drums with impeccable precision, while highlighting dance, bamboo flute performances, and incredible visual effects. Evolution expands Kodo to new heights of creative expression, showcasing Kodo’s perpetual progress under the artistic direction of the legendary Tamasaburo Bando.
“For decades, Kodo has shared their unparalleled creativity with spectators around the world, promising primal, rhythmic expression with each note,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “This year, we are honored to share the worldly beauty of Kodo with audiences of all ages, as Japan’s preeminent drumming troupe embarks on their first ever American Tour.”
For decades, Kodo has led the genre of taiko performance with dedication and innovation. With Evolution, Tamasaburo Bando has crafted a program that places Kodo's best-known work alongside some of the core repertoire, highlighting both men and women of the ensemble. Signature pieces like "O-daiko" and "Monochrome", which have been synonymous with Kodo since the group’s early days, are now integrated with more recent work such as "Kusa-wake" and "Color." This combination of classic and current is complemented by new compositions created especially for this production. "Ayaori" is intricate and uplifting, while the climactic "Rasen" features motifs of an array of Kodo pieces from various eras of the ensemble's history. The result is a rousing whirl of energy that carries the audience into a new dimension of taiko performance.
In Japanese, the word "Kodo" holds a double meaning. It can be translated as "heartbeat," the primal source of all rhythm. If read in a different context, however, Kodo can also mean "children of the drum," which reflects the group’s desire to play drums with the simple heart of a child. Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given 6,000 performances in 50 countries on five continents. The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.
As part of the Family Discovery Series, KODO: Evolution is eligible for 3-show packages starting at just $10 per show. Other shows in the series include Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue(April 5-7, 2019, Academy of Music), The Illusionists – Live From Broadway (May 10-11, 2019, Merriam Theater), and Rennie Harris: Funkedified (June 7-8, 2019, Merriam Theater).
Other featured upcoming performances at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus include: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 1-2, 2019, Academy of Music), Celtic Woman: Ancient Land (April 4, 2019, Academy of Music), and PHILADANCO: Dance Philly Style (April 12-14, 2019, Perelman Theater).
KODO: Evolution
Verizon Hall
March 12, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now and start at $35.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. See www.kimmelculturalcampus.org for more information.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, the Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center Campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the region’s most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center’s 2018-2019 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.
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For a PDF version of this press release, click here.