In ancient Japan, taiko drums were used to frighten invaders, inspire troops in battle, and communicate with neighbouring villages. For over 20 years, Fubuki Daiko has been reinventing this traditional art form–merging primal roots with modern sensibilities. Collaborations with a wide range of groups including the Winnipeg Singers, Moses Mayes Family Funk Band, the Northern Plains Ballet and Ron Paley’s Big Band have continued to fuel their pursuit of excellence and innovation. The group has thrilled audiences throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and Poland with their musicianship, humour, and sheer physical stamina.
Fubuki Daiko’s repertoire is comprised mainly of original compositions. Hard driving percussive pieces alternate with gentle bamboo flute melodies. Precision choreography and spontaneous full body movement create a visual and aural spectacle that is part martial arts athleticism, part dance, and all rhythm.
The core members, Hiroshi Koshiyama, Naomi Guilbert, and Bruce Robertson, each have over 25 years of taiko experience, including a four-year apprenticeship under Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka, the father of North American Taiko. After performing at Carnegie Hall with the San Francisco Taiko Dojo and leaving with Tanaka’s blessing, they relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they expanded into the current ensemble.