Warabe by Kodo

Ticket Refund Arrangement

Due to the extreme condition, the performance ‘Warabe by Kodo’ scheduled at 7:30pm on 8 September 2023 (Fri) at Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre has been rescheduled to 7:30pm on 10 September 2023 (Sun) at the same venue.   Ticket holder(s) who were unable to attend the rescheduled performance may refund ticket(s) according to the following methods:

Printed ticket holders

Please bring the original intact ticket(s) (with stubs) for cash refund at the location during the period specified below:

Date:  25 October (Wed) – 15 November 2023 (Wed)

Venue:  URBTIX Box Offices of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre or Hong Kong City Hall

(Opening hours of the above Box Offices:

Sunday to Thursday: 10am - 6:30pm

Friday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm)

Note:  Refund arrangement has to be done on or before 15 November 2023.  Late application will not be accepted.

If you have not collected your ticket(s) after online transaction, you may collect your ticket(s) at the Ticket Dispensing Machine at box offices mentioned above.

E-ticket holders

Relevant refund (face value of the ticket) will be automatically returned to the electronic payment account (except FPS) of the ticket holder before 30 November 2023.

For E-ticket holders using FPS payment, please bring the e-ticket for refund arrangement at the location during the period specified below:

Date:  25 October (Wed) – 15 November 2023 (Wed)

Venue:  URBTIX Maoyan Customer Service Centre (Room 403A, 4/F, Block B, Sea View Estate, 4-6 Watson Road, Fortress Hill, HK)

(Office hours:  Monday to Friday: 10am - 7pm;  Enquiry: 3166 1100)

For enquiries, please email cp2@lcsd.gov.hk or contact us at 2268 7321 during office hours.

Let your soul dance to the rhythm of life

The taiko refers to a traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities.   In Japanese, the word “Kodo” holds a double meaning.  It can be translated as “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm.  However, the group’s name is written with different characters, which mean “drum” and “child.”  This reflects Kodo’s desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child.

Kodo spends one-third of the year at home on Sado Island and the rest on tour.  The group has performed over 7,000 shows in 53 countries and regions since its establishment in 1981, appearing in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.  The group also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks, and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.

Kodo returned to Hong Kong after an eight-year hiatus with the work titled Warabe, based on the group name and theme from the child element, which was created to celebrate their 40th anniversary.  Warabe was greeted with overwhelming acclaim at its premiere in 2021.  Kodo looks to its classic repertoire and aesthetics from the ensemble’s early days.  This production blends simple forms of taiko expression that celebrate the unique sound, resonance, and physicality synonymous with Kodo ― forever children of the drum at heart.  Come and experience the soul-stirring rhythm of life firsthand!

The performance will run for about 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission. 

Audience is strongly advised to arrive punctually.  Latecomers will only be admitted during the intermission or at a suitable break.

The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. 

The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

The tour of Kodo is supported by POLA

Airfare for Kodo is partially sponsored by Japan Foundation

"Superlatives don't really exist to convey the primal power and bravura beauty of Kodo." ─ Chicago Tribune

The taiko refers to a traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities.  Kodo’s mission is to explore these possibilities, and in the process forge new directions for a vibrant living art-form.  In Japanese, the word “Kodo” holds a double meaning.  It can be translated as “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm.  Indeed, the great taiko is thought to be reminiscent of a mother’s heartbeat as felt from the womb, and babies are often lulled to sleep by its thunderous vibrations.  If read in a different context however, Kodo can also mean “children of the drum,” which reflects the group’s desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child.

Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances in 53 countries on five continents.  This figure includes 4,200 performances under the “One Earth” banner, a theme that embodies Kodo’s desire to transcend language and cultural boundaries, all while reminding their audiences of the common bonds we all share as human beings.  In addition to its theatre schedule, Kodo enjoys working with thousands of school children across Japan through its ongoing School Workshop Performance tours.  The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks and collaborating with a wide variety of global performing arts leaders.

In 2001, members of Kodo became the first Japanese artists to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway.  The following year, Kodo was featured in the official anthem of the 2002 FIFA World Cup KOREA/JAPAN, and performed live at official World Cup concerts.  Then in 2003, worldwide acclaim for the Chinese movie Hero drew even more attention to Kodo for its work on the motion picture soundtrack.  In 2006, Kodo realised its first on-stage collaboration with Kabuki luminary Tamasaburo Bando in Amaterasu, a musical dance play based on a Japanese myth.  This performance served as a catalyst for Kodo, propelling them towards new forms of percussive expression, and paving the way to encore performances on even more influential stages, including Tokyo’s iconic Kabukiza Theater.  Bando accepted the invitation to become Kodo’s artistic director from 2012 and through 2016.

Kodo’s activities are not limited to the stage. Every year since 1988, the rich, natural splendor of Sado Island sets the scene for “Earth Celebration” (EC), Kodo’s international arts festival.  Produced by Kodo in cooperation with the people of Sado Island, EC seeks to create an alternative global culture through musical and cultural collaborations with artists from around the world.  It is the nation’s longest running music festival, and has been described by The New York Times as “Japan’s leading music event.”  In 2008, the Japan Center for Regional Development presented EC with the “Furusato Event First Prize,” in recognition of the festival’s significant efforts to introduce Sado Island to the nation.  In 2009, the EC Committee was awarded the Tiffany Foundation Award for the Preservation of Japanese Traditional Arts and Culture in Contemporary Society, in recognition of the organisation’s “notable contribution to the promotion of Japanese traditional culture and to the revitalisation of the local community.”

The Kodo Cultural Foundation was established in 1997 with the goal of sharing the group’s experiences and giving back to the community via social education and local development programmes.  The Foundation covers a broad range of activities.  In addition to managing an array of workshops, it produces EC, Kodo’s annual performing arts festival.  It also manages the Kodo Apprentice Centre, which nurtures each new generation of Kodo performers.  In addition, the Foundation runs Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan), all while both supporting and conducting research on traditional culture and performing arts.  On 1 November 2011, the Kodo Cultural Foundation was recognised as a Public Interest Corporation in Japan.

Kodo has also formed collaborative ties with Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward and the Bunkyo Academy Foundation.  Through a range of cooperative projects like these, Kodo continues to work closely with these organisations to promote performing arts and culture in their local areas.

Information provided by the artist

Warabe by Kodo

DATE

VENUE

PRICE

09.09.2023 (Sat) - 10.09.2023 (Sun)
19:30

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

$480, $380, $280, $180

BUY NOW

DATE

09.09.2023 (Sat) - 10.09.2023 (Sun)
19:30

VENUE

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

PRICE

$480, $380, $280, $180

BUY NOW

Tickets available from 10 August at all URBTIX outlets, self-service ticketing kiosks, on internet, by mobile app and telephone.

Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first come, first served basis).

"Great Music" Package Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets for the ‘Warabe by Kodo’, ‘Piano Duo Recital by Lucas & Arthur Jussen’, ‘A Cappella Concert by Naturally 7’, ‘Violin Recital by Leonidas Kavakos’, ‘China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (24/10)’ , ‘China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (25/10)’ and ‘Jazz Concert by Eliane Elias’, the following concession applies: 
10% off for any 2 programmes, 15% off for any 3 programmes, 20% off for any 4 or more programmes.

"Great Music" Group Booking Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets for the ‘Warabe by Kodo’, ‘Piano Duo Recital by Lucas & Arthur Jussen’, ‘A Cappella Concert by Naturally 7’, ‘Violin Recital by Leonidas Kavakos’, ‘China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (24/10)’ , ‘China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (25/10)’ and ‘Jazz Concert by Eliane Elias’, the following concession applies: 
10% off for 4 – 9 tickets, 15% off for 10 – 19 tickets, 20% off for 20 or more tickets.

Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers.

Programme Enquiries: 2268 7321

Ticketing Enquiries and Customer Service：3166 1100

Telephone Booking：3166 1288

Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk

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