After the breathtaking success of their performances at the first edition of Higan, with a show that had to be doubled to satisfy the unexpected crowd of visitors, Masa Daiko comes back to Higan:
2 shows delivering all the energy and emotions within the Japanese drumming tradition.
The Masa Daiko Japanese drumming group, founded in 1996, is formed by 7 musicians, men and women. Under the guidance of the artist and multi-percussionist Masakazu Nishimine, Masa Daiko will interpret extracts of the rich Chinese drums repertoire, pieces from the Japanese tradition and works by Nishimine himself, with a steady increase of emotions which will make the audience’s hearts beat simultaneously.
Paul Grathwohl
Izumi Watanabe
Roland von Bargen
Annamaria Ascher
Chie Mori
Emiko Karayilmaz
The story of Japanese drums started at the time when the Gods reigned on Earth. One day the Goddess of the Sun got very angry for the incessant, senseless violence of her brother and hid in a cave.
Therefore, the Earth fell into darkness.
The men wanted her to come out so they started to dance, sing, pray and play drums in front of the cave.
The show awakened the Goddess’ curiosity; she looked out, and immediately was grabbed and dragged out. Thus, light and heat came back to the Earth.
"Taikos" exist in different sizes, up to a diameter of 2.50 metres.
It is played with thick sticks and wide movements, with much strength and energy but not violently; it has esthetical and symbolic purposes.
