The beat of a different drum (From Stroud News and Journal)

The beat of a different drum

THE thundering rhythms of huge Taiko drums interweaving with delicate flute and percussion in a visually spellbinding display of grace, choreography and athleticism is coming to Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre this month in the shape of Europe's foremost Taiko drum group, Mugenkyo.

Since their establishment in 1994, Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers have spearheaded the growing movement to develop Taiko drumming as a European art form, both through artistic collaborations and their many performances as UK's first professional touring Taiko drum group.

Mugenkyo's style is unique - steeped in the ancient traditions of Taiko yet at the same time forging a new path with their innovative and progressive approach.

From strong foundations in technique through intensive training in Japan under top Taiko masters, Mugenkyo bring Taiko into the 21st century with their energetic and theatrical style of playing.

About four thousand years ago, Taiko drumming was thought to be used to let the village know the hunters were setting out, or to warn that a storm was coming and that the women needed to bring in the meat and fruits they had been drying.

Even today Taiko drumming involves traditional rituals that would have been associated with daily Japanese life, for example the style of sideways drumming Mugenkyo use which mimics the motion of fishermen gathering nets.

The Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers come to the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on Friday, May 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £11.50 or £10 concessions, are available from the box office.