Onnanoko Drumming Ensemble

Japanese Taiko Drummers

Onnanoko Drumming Ensemble is a vibrant and dynamic group who began with a goal to create a new sound by combining traditional Japanese rhythms with western musical influences. These vivacious young female musicians first blended their musical desires while studying at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. Under the guidance of Kiyoshi Nagata (Nagata Shachu), Onnanoko’s debut performance in April 2004 featured original compositions as well as new arrangements of traditional pieces. They performed in WholeNote magazine’s 10th Anniversary concert series, and have appeared as featured soloists with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Onnanoko has participated in Operaworks, in conjunction with the Canadian Opera Company directing workshops for younger children. They have been invited to perform four times in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the Four Season’s Centre for the Performing Arts as part of the Canadian Opera Company’s Noon Hour Concert Series. Recent engagements include performing at the Trillium Lakelands Arts Camp, Drums Along the Niagara, and presenting 2 concerts, plus a workshop at the Forest Festival in Haliburton, Ontario in August 2008. The group is currently working on new and innovative compositions that will draw from their experience with the music of a variety of world cultures.

Onnanoko Drumming Ensemble will be performing at Via Salzburg’s “East and West” concert on February 18/19, 2010.