Wyoming Arts Council

On Ensemble presents free Japan Arts Day concert Feb. 18 in Casper

Featured News | February 17, 2015

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JAPAN ARTS DAY in Casper presents On Ensemble for a free concert on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., in the John F. Welsh Auditorium at Natrona County High School.

On Ensemble is at the forefront of a growing artistic movement in the taiko (Japanese ensemble drumming) world. Recognized for relentless innovation, On Ensemble has made a name for itself by infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with overtone singing, odd meter grooves and soaring melodies. Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums. In 2013, On Ensemble was the first American taiko group to be invited to perform at the National Theater of Japan for the prestigious Nihon no Taiko concert series. For all of their musical explorations, On Ensemble is supported by one of Japan’s most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, instrument maker to the emperor of Japan. This support empowers On Ensemble to utilize authentic, rare Japanese instruments in its fearless exploration of taiko.

On Ensemble shares its unique music and outreach programs throughout the United States and Canada. Past performances include the Cerritos Center, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, University of Hawaii Hilo, California Worldfest, Grand Performances in downtown Los Angeles, Shibuya O-nest (Tokyo), National Theater of Japan (Tokyo), Edmonds Center for the Arts (WA), Juan De Fuca Festival (WA) the Oregon Bach Festival, a Ohio Arts Council IMPACT tour, and a tour of Montana and Idaho.

In 2010 the group collaborated with director Sam Koji Hale to create a short film based on the On Ensemble track Yamasong from the album Ume in the Middle. The film was produced by Heather Henson and was screened at over 30 film festivals winning Best Fantasy Short and Best Animated Film at the Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival.

Co-Sponsored by Parkway Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre. Partial funding is from the Schneider Fund in the Casper Area Community Foundation, the Wyoming Arts Council and through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming State Legislature, and Natrona County School District No. 1.

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