Under Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts’ generous support of the “Developing the Next Generation of Taiko Artists” project,” Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group performed two world premiere in “Ten Ten” Kenny Endo’s 40th anniversary celebration concert.

“San Go Nana” by Kenny Endo (World Premiere)
San Go Nana (3-5-7) uses rhythms in these odd time signatures but added together results in common 4/4 time. By displacing the 32-note cycle, an interlocking pattern is formed. It has elements of clave (and Sango refers to a type of music from Cuba.) It’s also a play on shichigo-san which is a Japanese celebration in honor of children turning 7, 5, and 3 years old.

“Ocean Horizon” by Masato Baba (World Premiere)
Ocean Horizon is dedicated to all who have explored the oceans. This piece is inspired by Hawaii’s first settlers and their navigation of the oceans, as well as continuance of these traditions by the Hokulea and its crew today. With much left to be explored, the ocean is the “last frontier” on Earth.

This project focuses on strengthening the Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group, a Honolulu-based youth performing ensemble. Performers range in age from 9-17. The project includes Intensive workshops with respected taiko practitioners, creation of a new composition, and premier of the piece in TEN TEN, taiko master Kenny Endo’s 40th year anniversary Honolulu concert on October 10, 2015.