Photo: Adam PW Smith
Formed in 1988, Uzume Taiko is Canada’s first professional taiko drumming group. The current ensemble is led by Artistic Director Bonnie Soon and Musical Director Jason Overy. The group has released four CDs, performed countless local, national and international shows and taken the lead in teaching and sharing its knowledge of this musical art form at North American Taiko Conferences, educational residencies and workshops. Uzume Taiko is known for its bold musical collaborations, humour and theatrical stage presence.
Uzume Taiko has collaborated with numerous artists over the years, spanning musical genres from traditional shakuhachi flute, mainstream rock/pop acts to western classical symphonies to Scottish highland pipers and Hammond B-3 organ. With its powerful synthesis of music, movement and theatre, Uzume Taiko has won fans throughout the world. Using a diverse collection of percussive and melodic instruments as well as taiko drums, Uzume Taiko has developed a dynamic fusion of old and new styles of drumming — bringing a vibrant, contemporary sensibility to an ancient art. With the choreographed physicality of martial arts, the heart-stopping pulse of the O-Daiko and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble, the drummers of Uzume Taiko put on an exhilarating performance.