Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

After rave review performances with KODO in 2012, TaikOz returns to Brisbane this time presenting virtuoso Satsuki Odamura on bass koto in their new masterwork, Toward the Crimson Sky composed by TaikOz Artistic Director Ian Cleworth.

Introspection, meditative melodies and explosive might sit alongside light-hearted exuberance in Toward the Crimson Sky. With shakuhachi and shinobue (bamboo flutes), voice and bass koto (a traditional Japanese 17 string plucked instrument) the work features all the elements TaikOz is famous for – hypnotic rhythms and adrenalin-fuelled performance. Flowing and rippling, the work’s textures show the extremes of musical dynamics – thunderous drumming and translucent bamboo flute melodies.

Audiences will be thrilled to hear an instrument rarely heard in Australia – the bass koto - and legendary bass koto player Satsuki Odamura will perform solo segments in the piece.

“I have long enjoyed the English translation of Crimson Sky haiku by Miura Yuzuru,” says Ian Cleworth. “The poet’s images conjure thoughts and feelings that are on the one hand beautiful, colourful and sensual, and on the other, intensely – almost painfully – poignant and emotionally affecting.”

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• New work by Ian Cleworth
• Performer TaikOz