Taiko team to represent Tasmania at Melbourne festival

Starting on July 6, 14 teams from around Australia will assemble at Kew for the festival.

Launceston will be represented through Taiko Oni Jima, which translates to ‘drumming on the devil island’.

The troupe set to make the trip consists of Linda Finch, Debbie Kunde, Fiona Dewar and Yyan Ng. 

Mr Ng said the national festival was an opportunity to perform alongside other teams in a social environment.

“It’s sort of a fun conference for all the different groups in Australia,” he said.

“There are different workshops across the three days featuring a professional player from Japan, as well as a barbecues and other community events.” 

“This festival only happens once every couple of years, so it’s good to be able to get together and catch up.”

Taiko is a Japanese term which can refer to a range of percussion instruments.

The Tasmania University Union Taiko Society was formed in Hobart during 2002 and has since expanded to include groups in Burnie and Launceston.

It’s presence in Northern Tasmania has included public workshops and school visits, with three groups active within Launceston.

Taiko has been performed at regional shows, fun runs, corporate events and festivals. 

Mr Ng said there had been increased demand for the drumming throughout “the last five years”. 

“It’s definitely an emerging art form,” he said.

“The festival we are going to started with three Taiko teams and now there is 14.” 

While at the festival, teams will have the opportunity to learn from special guest Hiro Hayashida from Japan.

The performer, composer and producer is renowned for his ability to create difficult compositions within the taiko discipline.

The All Australian Wadaiko Festival will culminate with a concert on Saturday, July 7, featuring a piece which was learnt and practiced at the event. For more information about taiko in Tasmania, go to www.taikodrum.com.

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