Leonard Eto brings his award winning performance "Kemono Michi - Path of the Wild Animals" and workshops to the UK.
November 2025
It is an incredible honour to confirm that PlayTaiko, TaikoWest and Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers have joined forces to bring Leonard Eto over to the UK this year in November. We would also like to thank the Japan Foundation for their generous support of the tour.
Leonard Eto is one of the most accomplished and innovative contemporary taiko players, whose vision and creativity have deeply influenced the way taiko is performed and viewed in the world today. The distinctive hallmarks of his playing are the fluidity and luminous, dance-like quality; the coexistence of power and effortlessness, and the immense joy expressed in his music and performance. In 1984, Leonard joined the Japanese taiko drum group Kodo and soon became the principal player, organizer, musical director and composer. In 1992, Leonard left Kodo to pursue a solo career. His quest gradually evolved from collaborative activities, travelling to perform in over 55 countries. He continues to challenge his own technical and expressive skills, and has developed the freedom and spontaneity to communicate with any musical style.
Performance
"Kemono Michi - Path of the Wild Animals"
Bretforton Theatre Barn - Saturday 22nd November. 7.30pm
Leonard Eto brings his international, award-winning collaboration with classically trained ballerina Iori Tadokoro in their performance fusing the power and sensitivity of Taiko with the grace and elegance of dance:
"Kemono Michi - Path of the Wild Animals"
"Kemono Michi" is a path that is created in the mountains and forests by the passage of wild animals. Itis also used metaphorically to mean "choosing a different way of life from a peaceful and safe one and living that way"
We will guide you to the mysterious "Kemono Michi"through the sound of the Japanese drums.
"Kemono Michi" premiered in 2024 at Teatro No'Hma in Milan, Italy and won the Audience Award as the most enthusiastically loved work by the audience.
Support by Futari Taiko - Featuring James Barrow of TaikoWest and Teresa Brookes of Play Taiko. A display of choreography, rhythm and movement in a powerful and creative fusion.
(120mins with interval)
Tickets: https://www.bretfortongrange.org/
International Prize 2024
"Kemono Michi" directed by Leonard Eto
For being able to lead the audience along a magical and imaginative path like that traced by animals in the forest, entrusting the sound of Japanese taiko with the power to create a performance that conveys both power and lightness, combining experimental sounds and dances thanks to the distinctive feature of technical and executive fluidity of Leonard Eto. Spectators' Prize goes to Kemono Michi. - TEATRO NO'HMA
“To attend a Leonard Eto performance is to experience captivating mastery of an art form. Leonard unfolds a story from within each instrument with a care and intense creative focus that can rarely be found” – Audience member
Biographies:
Leonard Eto / taiko
Leonard Eto is one of the most accomplished and innovative contemporary taiko players, whose vision and creativity have deeply influenced the way taiko is performed and viewed in the world today. The distinctive hallmarks of his playing are the fluidity and luminous, dance-like quality; the coexistence of power and effortlessness, and the immense joy expressed in his music and performance. In 1984, Leonard joined the Japanese taiko drum group Kodo and soon became the principal player, organizer, musical director and composer. In 1992, Leonard left Kodo to pursue a solo career. His collaborative activities include working with Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, INXS, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Roger Taylor from Queen, as well as world music artists and travelling to perform in over 55 countries. His original compositions have been featured in films such as The Lion King, JFK and The Hunted.
Iori Tadokoro / dance
Iori Tadokoro is one of the few dancers who can fuse the aesthetic sense of Japanese drumming with the expression of ballet. Iori Tadokoro studied abroad in France under Daini Kudo for a period of time, performing in the production starring Marie-Claude Pietragalla. She is a main cast member of Leonard Eto's "Kemono Michi" and also featured in the tours of Italy, Germany and Belgium.
I look forward to hearing from you and sharing this amazing Taiko opportunity with you all