TaikOz Japanese drumming and flute

Date 6.00pm Wednesday 11 April 2001
Venue James O. Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes ACT
Tickets $25 NGA Members; $35 Non-Members - includes exhibition entry
Contact +61 2 6240 6504

TaikOz at the National Gallery of Australia
Held in connection with the exhibition Monet & Japan, the National Gallery presents a concert by percussion group TaikOz - a unique synthesis of East and West, old and new. Following the performance in the James O. Fairfax Theatre, the audience will have an opportunity to view the acclaimed exhibition, Monet & Japan. This event is presented in association with the National Folk Festival.

TaikOz
One of Australia's most energetic and exciting drumming groups, TaikOz performs contemporary music by Japanese and Australian composers using Japanese taiko (drums) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute). Combining the power of taiko with the ethereal tones of the shakuhachi, TaikOz draw on ancient traditions while looking to the future.

Led by renowned musicians Riley Lee and Ian Cleworth, the group's profound understanding of Japanese drumming and its philosophy is reflected in their spellbinding performances and stage presence. TaikOz members beat not only with their bodies, but with their collective hearts and souls.

Through sell out performances at the Sydney Opera House, the Brisbane Festival and World Music Adelaide (WOMAD), TaikOz has been able to broaden Australian understanding of this wonderfully earthy, yet intensely spiritual musical form.

Monet & Japan
Claude Monet's intimate relationship with Japanese art is vividly demonstrated in the exhibition Monet & Japan. Paintings by Monet are shown with Japanese prints, screens and scrolls to highlight the ways in which the great French artist immersed himself in Japanese imagery to draw inspiration for some of his most important works.

Further Information
For further information contact publicprograms@nga.gov.au