Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Rhythms Rising

When Stuart Paton founded Burlington Taiko in 1986, he brought an integral part of Japanese culture to Vermont. Having lived in Japan from infancy until age 18, he witnessed the effort, risk and passionate expression inherent in this ancient drumming art. Channeling these qualities, the ensemble performs original compositions, including Paton’s "Kohyoh/Autumn Fire." Co-commissioned by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, the new piece represents transitions in nature and humans. "Odorimasho," by Taiko members and former dancers Suzanne Hall and Harry Grabenstein, strongly emphasizes rhythm, while former member Kimiko Yumoto’s recitation of her father’s haiku complements "Kokyo/Where We Come From."