Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The stage is set for some of the world's most talented musicians, artists, and performers as the UAE capital gears up for Abu Dhabi Festival 2025.
With Japan as the guest of honour for this year's edition, the festival is bringing in some of the renowned talents of the East Asian country - including the famed Taiko ensemble Kodo. Taiko, a barrel-shaped drum, is a heritage percussion instrument in Japan, and Kodo will be showcasing the ancient drumming technique in its first-ever show in the Arab world.
Kodo, which will perform on April 8 at NYU Abu Dhabi's Red Theater, lauded the emirate's commitment to nurturing cultural legacies, facilitating global artistic exchange, and blending tradition with modernity. Through its cultural initiatives and world-class events, the emirate stands as an ideal hub for global arts.
"This is our first time performing in Abu Dhabi, and we are honoured to be able to play Japanese traditional music and Taiko drums in this country, which is rich in culture, tradition, and modern technology," the ensemble said to Aletihad.
"The energy of Abu Dhabi, and its culturally significant landmarks, as well as the beautiful architecture, make it a perfect setting. We believe that Taiko drumming, with its energetic and percussive rhythms, shares some similarities with Arab music, and we hope the audience will enjoy experiencing that connection," the ensemble said to Aletihad.
Performing in Abu Dhabi, a city of tradition and modernity, will be a unique experience for the ensemble that has been touring the world for decades.
"Japanese Taiko drums have a long history as musical instruments, and they have been played for many years during festivals and other traditional events. However, the form of Taiko that we create -focused on drums as the main element of a stage performance - is actually a development of the past 50-70 years. The fusion of traditional and contemporary Taiko music resonates with the blend of tradition and modernity in a city like Abu Dhabi. We are excited to see how the sound of Kodo will be received in this vibrant city," Kodo said.
Dynamic Space for Artists
The harmonious blend of tradition and technology in Abu Dhabi gives artists a dynamic space to connect with local culture while showcasing their work in a world-class venue. With their Abu Dhabi debut, Kodo looks forward to expanding their global reach.
"We believe that the desire to live in peace and happiness is a universal wish, shared by people everywhere. By performing in the international city of Abu Dhabi for the first time, we hope it will be an opportunity to further expand our circle and make a lasting impact," the ensemble said.
With its performance, Kodo seeks to capture the unique sounds of the city, aligned with its values of unity, openness, and inclusivity.
"Kodo's message of unity through music resonates deeply with Abu Dhabi's international audience, reflecting the city's cultural vision of fostering global connection through shared experiences. Abu Dhabi is known for its diversity, with a vibrant mix of cultures and communities from around the world, making it an ideal setting for a performance that emphasises collaboration and harmony.
The city's commitment to being a cultural bridge is reflected in initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Festival, which brings together international artists and audiences, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation."
The ensemble sees Abu Dhabi as an open place for the rich diversity of art around the world and looks forward to more such opportunities in the future.
