breath, taikoz and synergy percussion @ seymour centre

TaikOz and Synergy Percussion performed the world premier of Ian Cleworth’s BREATH at the Seymour Centre. This virtuosic 70-minute work presented various kinds of taikos (Japanese barrel drums), snare drums, the marimba, the xylophone, gongs, bells, singing and human breathing – breath, the first and last physical act of life. Some in the audience imagined the rhythms of crickets, frogs, birds and pelting rain as they listened to the great variety of sounds. Others, like myself, closed their eyes and let the rhythms settle the mind into a pleasurable trance.

The TaikOz performers Ian Cleworth, Kerry Joyce, Sophia Ang and Ryuji Hamada were joined by Synergy Percussion’s Timothy Constable and Joshua Hill. The four pieces were titled Passacaglia, Lion Dogs, Dew Point and Nuage.

The newly formed Percussion Australia merges two of Australia’s globally recognised music ensembles, Synergy Percussion (founded 1974) and TaikOz (founded 1997). The new organisation will be introducing an Afro-Latin school of percussion and a professional Training Academy for percussionists. Percussion Australia has a large program of performances this year, including BOOM! at the International Festival of Percussion in October. In 2023 there will be further performances of BREATH,

As the interest in hearing and playing percussion instruments grows there will be more drumming in the classrooms, at festivals, on international tours and in the concert halls. Drumming is universal and timeless. Drums were probably the first instruments. TaikOz plays Japanese barrel drums, called Taikos. These originated over 2000 years ago, probably introduced to Japan from India via China and Korea. The drums were not used for military call-to-arms, but for peaceful purposes, calling people to Buddhist prayer. Traditionally, taiko is also used for social activities in local communities, celebrating many aspects of life. The drums are now an honoured ‘Intangible Cultural Asset’.

But as this new work, BREATH, demonstrates, TaikOz and Synergy are not presenting some ancient ritual art form. Taiko drumming is always changing. There are new compositions and new ways of presenting the percussion groups on stage.

Drumming is fun. Drumming is exercise! The energy and immense physically on stage during Breath were impressive. A thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing evening.

BREATH was performed at the Seymour Centre on March 26 2022.

Keep a lookout for Breath coming to Sydney again in 2023.

Websites:

Percussion Australia: https://percussionaustralia.com.au/