Announcing our first Artist in Residence for 2018: Kris Bergstrom!
One of our goals here at Mark H Taiko is to help everyone in our local taiko community experience a wide variety of taiko workshops and performances. And one of our favorite ways to do that is to bring amazing taiko players here to DC. So we are delighted to announce that Kris Bergstrom will be joining us in February for a week of workshops, classes, and a special performance!
Kristofer Bergstrom is an accomplished taiko performer, composer, and choreographer, known for pushing the tonal possibilities of Japanese drums and for his groundbreaking movement for slant-style taiko. He was a founding member of On Ensemble, formed Los Angeles Taiko Institute alongside Yuta Kato, and is currently 2017-2018 Artist in Residence for Los Angeles County.
Kris will teach two open workshops as well as giving a special performance during his time in DC. He’ll also be stopping by our classes during the week and is available for private lessons – if you’re interested in booking some time with him, contact Mark H.
The Naname Stylings of Kris Bergstrom
Sat, Feb 17, 6-9pm
Learn the guiding principles of Kris’ unique approach to slant-style choreography, some advanced rhythm techniques he’s developed, and some of his newest work. Open to anyone with experience playing naname-uchi!
More info & registration click here
Easing into composition: three ways to write your first piece
Sun, Feb 18, 11am-2pm
Learn the techniques that have helped Kris overcome his fears of composition and choreography to find compelling creations, as well as composition exercises that reveal the practical details. Open to players of all levels.
More info & registration click here
Sign up for both workshops and save!
Sign up for BOTH workshops to make the most of Kris’ visit to the DC area and save $20!
Meet the Artist
Sun, Feb 18, 7:30pm
Join Kris as he presents some of his newest work for taiko in an intimate and informal setting.
More info click here
In this unique evening, Kaoru will perform current pieces, discuss his methodologies in composition and improvisation, and share his artistic influences (ranging from Noh Theater to jazz music to his experience with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary collaboration) in an intimate and informal setting.
