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16. 01. 2012

Yamato drummers in Belgrade

The most popular Japanese percussionists, Yamato drummers, has thrilled the audience at Sava Centar. That's why they will have another performance at Beogradska Arena on February The 28th.

Yamato group will make its performance as a part of a tour, which is named GAMUSHARA - „The Beat of Courage"!

Japanese Taiko drummers YAMATO was founded by Masa Ogava in year 1993. Their headquarters are in the village of Asuka in Nara, known for its many ancient monuments, and named after the birthplace of Japanese culture. In the village of Asuka, which has more than a thousand years old tradition, Yamato is looking for new ways to express Vadaikom - Japanese drums, as its backbone. Their day starts with the 10km run, then practice in the gym. In the afternoon they practicing on the drums together and then individually go to sleep. Besides sleeping, eating and hygiene, they devote all their time to the practice. They spend from 6 to 10 months a year nn foreign tours. There is no time for sightseeing. Just for preparing, packing, or performing and traveling.

The most important thing are, of course, Vadaiko drums. These are the drums made of animal leather and ancient wood, some of which are over 400 years old. They're like a heartbeat or pulse. They are the marrow of life and source of power that emanates from your body. Yamato is trying to make the energy of life which will be transfered to the audience. That thing you feel when you hear this music is the thing that Japanese call "Tamaši" - "soul", "spirit", "psyche" - the most important thing in your life. This is something invisible, whose presence is certainly felt. Pulse, which is transmitted from the ancient days, that should echo in the bodies of people who gather in the halls around the world. This is a stage show that celebrates life.

Yamato drummers have had over 300 appearances in more then 45 states. In year 1994. they have had more then 20.000 visitors on four concerts in China. They performed at the Edinburgh Festival, the biggest art event in the world, to expand horizons and meet new people. They sold 23 concert and received an award from Spirit of the Fringe. The British media called them "music of the body." After that they began a world tour, which lasts for 12 years...