Yamato: Hinotori, The Wings of the Phoenix

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Image courtesy of Grec Festival de Barcelona.

This Japanese drumming group takes percussion beyond the limits of imagination.

The Taiko ensemble you’ll see and hear pushes acoustic power to levels far exceeding anything you might expect. Their performances are so charged with energy and intensity that calling them simply a “show” doesn’t quite do them justice. Their Barcelona program features nine pieces that explore themes such as despair and hope, as well as the decision to keep fighting and moving forward until the light returns. These include works such as Habataki (“Flapping Wings”), Toon (“Tone”), Netsujoh (“Passion”), and Masurao (“Brave Heart”), among others.

Founded in 1993, Yamato is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura, in Nara Prefecture, a place many in Japan consider the cradle of the nation. Since their beginnings, they have performed more than 4,800 shows in 55 countries around the world. They have appeared in theaters, schools, and all kinds of events, and have also led workshops and Taiko classes. They spend half the year touring Japan and the other half touring the rest of the world. Nearly fourteen of these tours have taken them to fifty-five countries.

On stage, they perform with more than forty Taiko drums, each one with its own name. The largest drum, known as the "Odaiko", is made from a giant tree that is over 400 years old. It measures around two meters in diameter and weighs approximately 500 kg. All the other Taiko drums come in different sizes and make different sounds. To play these enormous instruments, the members of the group have had to undergo grueling physical training.

Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals

What are your plans for summer? If you’re staying in the city, you won’t be alone. Barcelona is becoming a go-to destination for festival lovers, given Catalunya’s covetable combination of culture, great weather and an increasingly diverse concert circuit. So if you’re looking to expand your horizons while staying put this season, check out our article Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals for a summary of the summer music events taking place in Barcelona, from big-name gatherings to boutique takeovers.

For more music events check our online events calendar.