Event

On Ensemble in Port Angeles

On Ensemble members have been featured in the music of the hit TV show "Heroes", in the David Mamet movie "Redbelt" and performing with Stevie Wonder at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As On Ensemble they combine their study and deep appreciation of tradition with equally formative experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, Jazz drummers, and rock bassists to create a repertoire of ground-breaking music.

From outdoor festivals and concert halls to gymnasiums and classrooms, On Ensemble has shared its unique music and outreach programs with audiences throughout the United States and Japan.

Constantly looking for new ways to utilize taiko, On Ensemble seeks out collaborations with adventurous artists. In 2006, the ensemble spent a week in Montreal developing and performing "Project GO" with multi-talented percussionist, Patrick Graham. In 2007, On Ensemble combined forces with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble to present SYTE/ON: TAIKOx2 to a sold-out house at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. In the same year, On Ensemble collaborated with renowned choral-music composer, Eric Whitacre, to develop and perform the world-premiere musical, "Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings" to great critical acclaim. In March of 2009, On Ensemble presented a concert with taiko master, Kenny Endo, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

For all of their avant-garde musical explorations, On Ensemble is supported by one of Japan's most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, instrument maker to the emperor of Japan. This support empowers On Ensemble to utilize authentic, rare Japanese instruments in its fearless exploration of taiko.