Kodo - Luminance

Kodo brings Luminance to Kingsbury Hall on Sunday, February 7, 2027, as part of their 45th Anniversary Concert Series. It's a stop on their One Earth Tour, and the show is directed by Yuki Hirata. The ensemble is Japan's most well-known taiko drumming group, and they've been at this for over 40 years, playing more than 7,500 shows across 50 countries. They describe their work as blending athleticism, precision, and musical expression, and the Los Angeles Times once put it as creating "electricity as much by musical means as by sheerly physical ones."

Luminance pairs signature pieces they've honed over decades of touring with new compositions by current ensemble members. For the first time this century, the program also includes original works by guest artists from different genres. Among the signature pieces are the O-daiko drum solo and the Yatai-bayashi finale. The show also pays homage to Maki Ishii's Monochrome, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Kodo's whole approach is built around the taiko drum, and the performance is as much about the physical effort as it is about the sound. The group has spent more than four decades touring internationally, and they talk about music as something that can bring people together. Luminance is part of their 45th Anniversary Concert Series and their One Earth Tour, so it's a look at where they've been and where they're going.

Tickets range from $18 to $75, with youth tickets available for $13, all including fees. The show is at 6:30 PM at Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 East President's Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.