e v e n t s
Events
The Shumei Taiko Ensemble has performed at notable venues and events throughout the world. The distinguished artists that have shared the stage with the group include the famed kabuki actor Ganjiro Nakamura, the trumpeter Terumasa Hino, and Paul Winter and the Paul Winter Consort. Among the many thousands that have seen, heard, and been moved by the Ensemble's music are Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.
Shumei Taiko Tours Europe in 2004
This year, the Shumei Taiko Ensemble will embark on its second European tour. In keeping with the Ensemble's goal of encouraging peace and friendship among the peoples of the earth through their music, the tour will culminate with the group's participation in Forum 2004 Barcelona and the Parliament of the World's Religion 2004, both held in Spain. The performing artists will offer their musical prayer for our earth and world peace in the following cities:
June 19, Frankfurt, Germany at Alte Oper
June 20, Heidelberg, Germany
June 22-23, Milan, Italy at Theatro Dalverme
June 26-27, Berlin, Germany at Haus der Kulturen der Welt
June 30-July 1, Vienna, Austria at Halle E
July 7-13 Barcelona,Spain “Forum 2004 Barcelona & Parliament of the World's Religions 2004”
Past Highlights
Concerts
New York City, USA, June 1996: The Ensemble gave a concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in connection with the opening of the exhibition "Ancient Art from the Shumei Family Collection".
Los Angeles, USA, November 1996: The group gave performances at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to honor the opening of the exhibition "Ritual and Splendor: Treasures from the Shumei Family Collection".
Shigaraki, Japan, June 1997: The Ensemble played throughout the Miho Museum grand opening celebrations.
New York City, USA, 1998: A number of concerts took place at various venues, including the Fountain Plaza at Lincoln Center, St John the Divine Cathedral, the Church Center of the United Nations, and at an interfaith service at St. Bartholomew's Church.
Cape Town, South Africa, December 1999: The Ensemble performed at the celebrations surrounding the meeting of the Parliament of World Religions and the World Sacred Music Festival. During these events, the group had the honor of performing for His Holiness, the Dalai Lama XIV, South Africa's President Nelson Mandela, and for the people of a local township.
New York City, USA, August 2000: The Ensemble opened the United Nation's World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. While in New York City, they also performed at Colombia University and a high school in Harlem.
Bethlehem, PA, USA, September 2000: The Ensemble was featured with Paul Winter and the Paul Winter Consort in a benefit concert entitled "An Affair with Nature" at Lehigh University, Zoeliner Arts Center, Baker Hall. The proceeds from this concert went toward the expansion of The Rodale Institute's "Kid's Re-Generation" 2000 Educational Programs.
First European Tour, 2002; Austria, Germany, and Switzerland: The Ensemble performed at the “Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders” held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. They also traveled through Germany and Austria to perform at various venues, including Broadcasting Hall.
Hong-Kong, China, November 2003: This was the Ensembles third concert in Hong-Kong. The previous performances were held in November 1988 and March 2000.
Shiga, Japan, February 2004: The Ensemble was featured with Paul Winter at a recital entitled the “Valentine Concert” at Biwako Hall.
The Ensemble also gives bi-annual concerts in Japan on August 1 and December 31.
Television
Television features staring the Ensemble include:
Oto Junrei (Sound Pilgrimage) , produced by NHK, aired in July 1996.
Nina Temple was aired by Kyoto TV in July 1990.
Recordings
Nippon No Taiko “Mei” a two-disc set of works from the Ensemble's repertoire was produced by Nippon Columbia CO. in 1993.