Za Ondekoza
Japanese drummers in Sava Center on February 12
Za Ondekoza drummers will present taiko percussion art as their philosophy and way of life, summarized in a motto: run, play and dance on Earth. The concert, organized by BELGRADE ARENA and TOYOTA company, will take place on 12 February. The word “taiko” means a large drum in Japanese.
Their teaching states that running and music are one. Distinct spirituality and energy that they radiate and transmit, makes this tradition and culture, so different at a first glance, understandable to all those who have seen ZA ONDEKOZA drummers.
Their instruments are traditional Japanese instruments and include many kinds of taiko drums (including a 400-kilogram one), shakuhachi, (a bamboo flute) and all kinds of other percussions and bells.
The tradition of taiko performances started in the 8th century in Japan but Za Ondekoza drummers, on one hand, combine tradition with modern themes, emphasizing the unity of the matter and spirit and the necessity of people’s return to nature. On the other hand, they emphasize the openness towards what the connection between people and nature offers today.
The company of performers was founded by Tagayasu Den on the island of Sado in 1969. The members have lived and trained together from the very beginning and, in that way, created a revolutionary unique show.
Their world debut, after several years of practice and defining goals and mission, was in 1975, when, after running Boston marathon, the members of the company got on stage and incredibly energetic played drums. Such performances created the idea of so-called marathon tours. The first marathon tour started in 1990 and ended after three years, 355 performances and 14910 kilometres ran. The first japanese tour, which started in 2001, was dedicated to the deceased founder. His disciples and followers ran 600 kilometres from Sado island to the Fiji mountain, which has become the new home of the company.
ZA ONDEKOZA have already performed at the opening of Nagano Olympic Games in 1998, added originality to Cristian Dior fashion snows, and co-operated with many artists and orchestras.
The current challenge for the ZA ONDEKOZA drummers is a journey through China which spectacular end will take place at the opening of this year’s Beijing Olympic Games.
Definitely worth seeing!
