We are thrilled to present in Scotland for the very first time Path of the Wild Animal (Kemono Michi), featuring one of the most influential and innovative Taiko players in Japan, the legendary Leonard Eto, renowned for his innovation, fluidity, power and movement. This one-off collaboration will be hosted by UK's leading Taiko group Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, at the intimate Biggar Corn Exchange, situated in the picturesque Borders of Scotland.
The performance, in two parts, will feature the full range of the Taiko drum experience, from huge powerful drums & earth-shaking rhythms with dynamic group choreography, to fluid and delicate percussion, subtle soundscapes, and elegant movement and dance.
Kemono Michi originally premiered at the Teatro No'hma in Milan, Italy, winning the International Prize in 2024. Kemono Michi or Path of the Wild Animal is a path created in the mountains and forests by the passage of wild animals, and is used metaphorically to signify "choosing a different way of life from a conventional and safe path, to one more challenging & less travelled." Exploring the huge range of sounds created by the Taiko drum, the performance will guide you through the mysterious and magical Path of the Wild Animal.
This performance will be repeated on Saturday 15 November at 7.00pm.
The Leonard Eto concert & workshop tour is sponsored by the Japan Foundation and is organised in conjunction with Teresa Brookes from PlayTaiko and James Barrow from Taiko West, who will also be presenting a performance in Evesham on 22 November, and workshops in Shropshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire.
https://www.playtaiko.com/leonard-eto-uk-tour-2025
(photo credit: Hidenori Suzuki)
Leonard Eto / taiko
Leonard Eto is one of the most accomplished and innovative contemporary Taiko players, whose vision and creativity have deeply influenced the way Taiko is performed and viewed in the world today. In 1984, Leonard joined the Japanese Taiko drum group Kodo and soon became the principal player, musical director and composer. His classic compositions for Kodo: Lion, Irodori and Zoku propelled the group to new artistic heights, introducing them to a world-wide audience. He is the creator of the modern Katsugi style of playing, carrying the Okedo drum so that the player can walk and move whilst playing. Leonard left Kodo in 1992 to pursue a solo career, and has collaborated with many artists including Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, INXS, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Roger Taylor from Queen, as well as world music artists, drummers and performers across many genres. His long-spanning career has taken him to over 55 countries, and his original compositions have been featured in films such as The Lion King, JFK and The Hunted.
Iori Tadokoro / dance
Iori Tadokoro studied in France under Daini Kudo and performed in a production starring Marie-Claude Pietragalla. Having worked with Leonard Eto on numerous creative endeavours, Iori is one of the few dancers who can fuse the aesthetic sense of Japanese drumming with the expression of ballet. She has been the principal dancer in the tours of Italy, Germany and Belgium with Kemono Michi.
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers / taiko
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers are the UK's longest-established taiko ensemble, with over 2,000 performances over the last 30 years. They have established a solid reputation for their gritty, passionate style, setting themselves firmly at the forefront of Taiko drumming on this continent through their rigorous touring schedules at theatres, concert halls, arts centres and festivals in the UK, Japan, Europe & around the world. The group have released a range of albums, DVDs & videos, and have appeared on television programmes such as the Brit Awards & BBC Proms. Recent projects include World of Gods with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Hollywood film Tin Soldier with Jamie Foxx and Robert DeNiro, a 2-week run at the World Expo in Dubai, the BBC TV Tokyo Olympics, a 26-date run at the Adelaide Fringe. They have recently completed rebuilding their purpose-built centre for Taiko in South Lanarkshire where they run residential workshops and courses of all levels.
Reviews for Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers previous shows:
"This show is not one to be missed."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Edinburgh Evening News
"Lightning-fast synchronisation & complex rhythms on huge barrel-sized instruments. Hypnotic and primal, the show is an entrancing display of physicality, precision and discipline."
The List
“Mugenkyo showcases its musical presentation in totally modern style, making the esoteric thoroughly pop… sustaining its appeal right to the climax, winning thunderous applause.”
The Stage
"Unashamedly drumming as theatre, but also drumming as an almost religious experience…. exhilarating to behold.”
The Glasgow Herald
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