Kodo

In Japanese, the word ‘kodo’ can have two meanings – it can be translated as ‘heartbeat’, the primal source of all rhythm, and in a different context it can mean ‘children of the drum’, which reflects the group’s desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child. And there’s nothing quite like a Kodo performance – the Japanese drumming is visceral in its power and hypnotic in its effects. The troupe of highly skilled drummers delivers a thrilling theatrical experience; since the group’s debut in 1981, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances on five continents.

This Abu Dhabi festival concert is sure to be a hot ticket. There’s a second performance tomorrow (9 April).

Fun fact: The largest of the taiko drums that the Kodo troupe play can weigh up to three tonnes and are made from the trunk of a single tree.