Haere Mai Taiko

Overview

After nine years of performing in Auckland, Japanese drummers Haere Mai Taiko present their first solo concert.

Modern taiko drumming is a fusion of centuries-old temple rhythms with '50s jazz, bound together by a thoroughly Japanese essence. It was revived in 1951 by Daihachi Oguchi, a Japanese jazz drummer, who discovered some forgotten manuscripts and rearranged them for a group performance.

Haere Mai Taiko originally formed in 2002 as a Yosakoi Dance performance group through the New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland, before transitioning into the Taiko style in 2004. The group often perform around Auckland at community events such as Taste of Japan, the Northcote Chinese & Korean New Year Festival, the Moon Festival and were regulars at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Their performance at Auckland Girls' Grammar on November 22 will consist of new and traditional songs, many of which were taught to them by two of Japan's most celebrated Taiko composers, Hisashi Kitahara and Michiko Nakamori. They will be joined by singer Rocomoon.