KODO
KODO
Walt Disney Concert HallSouth Hope Street, Los Angeles 90012
KODO brings its collective Japanese taiko drumming back to Walt Disney Concert Hall for Luminance, an all-new program. The evening is built around the pulse and force of ensemble drumming, with the group exploring the sound and possibilities of taiko across a performance expected to run about 90 minutes to two hours. It is part of the KCRW Series and the hall’s International Sounds programming.
Founded in the 1980s, KODO is a Japanese taiko ensemble that has spent four decades exploring the possibilities of the Japanese taiko drum. Their work is defined here by collective playing: many drummers shaping a shared beat rather than a featured soloist or named lineup. The LA Phil describes the group as still making new discoveries after four decades, and calls their return “thunderous,” a fitting frame for an ensemble whose music centers on the physical presence, precision, and momentum of taiko drumming.
Designed by Frank Gehry, this concert hall is a striking architectural landmark with sweeping stainless steel curves that catch the light outside, while inside, its acoustics are meticulously crafted to deliver rich, clear sound to every seat. The auditorium seats over two thousand people in a space where the audience is fully immersed in the music, surrounded by warm wood paneling and a stage that brings performers close to listeners. The venue hosts ticketed performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other ensembles, offering an evening focused on attentive listening rather than casual socializing. Nearby bars and restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles provide options for pre- or post-show dining, but inside, the experience centers on the music in a refined, elegant setting.