The pulse of Japan, Kodo brings thunderous drumming, graceful precision, and soulful spirit

Susan Bland

12 Feb 2025

A Japanese drummer wears a white headband and a white fundoshi and extends both arms out side to side, a drum stick in each hand and back muscles all tensed. In front of him is an enormous drum. — Kodo performs onstage for its "One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe." Photo courtesy of Takashi Okamoto.

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum, legendary ensemble Kodo captivates with its athleticism and primal power, bringing new energy to ancient traditions. The bearers of a centuries-old Japanese tradition and known worldwide as the “grandfather group” of kodo drumming, the ensemble makes its Blacksburg debut at the Moss Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m.

A Kodo performance typically begins with a single, powerful strike on the drum. Other drummers join in, creating a layered and immersive sonic landscape. The physicality of the performance is as mesmerizing as the sound — Kodo’s drummers move with strength and grace, navigating intricate choreography.

Celebrating more than 40 years, Kodo’s “One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe” looks to its classic repertoire and aesthetics from its early days. This family-friendly performance showcases taiko expression celebrating the sound, resonance, and physicality synonymous with Kodo — forever children of the drum at heart.

The performance theme is inspired by Sado Island, Kodo’s home base since 1971. With nature's warm embrace evident in each of the four seasons, Sado is an extraordinary place where traditional ways of life and the island's indigenous performing arts still thrive. For “Warabe,” the Kodo performers crafted new music, channeling the essence of the unique environment they call home.

“Our audience is an integral part of every performance. We truly appreciate their presence and hope they feel our gratitude in every beat of the drum,” said Yuichiro Funabashi, director and Kodo ensemble leader. “Join us and let your soul dance to the rhythm of life in this joyous, visceral concert experience.”

Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 6,500 performances on all five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third rehearsing and preparing new material.

Kodo strives to both preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts. Members on tours and research trips all over the globe have brought back to Sado a kaleidoscope of world music and experiences that help shape the group’s performances and compositions. Collaborations with other artists and composers extend across the musical spectrum, and Kodo’s lack of preconceptions about its music continues to produce startling new fusion and forms.

This performance is supported in part by a gift from Ms. Constance Cedras. Additional funding is provided by the Elizabeth McIntosh Mitchell Trauger Excellence Fund.

Related events

On Friday, Feb. 28, Kodo will perform a free matinee for more than 1,000 students and educators in grades six through 12 from Roanoke, Pulaski, Montgomery, Carroll, Giles, Craig, Floyd, Wythe, Patrick, Orange, and Botetourt counties and Radford and Roanoke cities. In partnership with InclusiveVT, participants of the Culture and Context Through the Arts professional development course will also attend the school-day performance and gather for an engaging post-performance discussion.

Local families will attend Kodo’s Moss performance through the community ticket program. Offered in partnership with New River Community Action, the program helps build community and provide greater access to Moss programs for under-resourced families.

Tickets

Tickets are $25-$65 for general audience and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

Venue and parking information

The performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall. Convenient parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street and in downtown Blacksburg. Find more parking details online.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jamie Wiggert at least 10 days prior to the event at 540-231-5300 or email wiggertj@vt.edu during regular business hours.