Nagata Shachu is a professional Japanese taiko drumming and music group taking the unmistakable sound of this ancient Asian art form to new heights. The group of highly skilled musicians is known for presenting mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances with its use of the traditional Japanese drum (taiko), bamboo flutes, gongs, woodblocks and the three-stringed shamisen.
Nagata Shachu, based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The group has toured widely throughout Canada, the US, Italy and the Middle East, performing in major theatres, concert halls and festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the ensemble’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and the Japanese word ‘shachu’ meaning ‘group,’ Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, physically demanding and energetic performances on the taiko, as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit and passion with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline.
July 15, 2017 – 8:00pm
Ticket price(s):All Seats $37
Conductor Carlos Kalmar directs the World Youth Symphony Orchestra through a repertoire including such masterpieces as “Capriccio Italien” by Tchaikovsky, Prangcharoen’s “Phenomenon” and Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216.
Carlos Kalmar is in his thirteenth season as music director of the Oregon Symphony. He is also chief conductor and artistic director of the Spanish Radio/Television Orchestra and Choir in Madrid, and artistic director and principal conductor of the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago.
In May, 2011 he made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall with the Oregon Symphony as part of the inaugural Spring for Music festival, and was hailed by critics in the New York Times, New Yorker magazine and Musical America. A regular guest conductor with major orchestras in America, Europe and Asia, Kalmar recently made his subscription series debuts with three of America’s most prestigious orchestras: those of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Past engagements have seen him on the podium with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Minnesota Orchestra and the New World Symphony, as well as the orchestras of Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, Seattle and St. Louis.
Violinist Simone Porter has been recognized as an emerging artist of impassioned energy, musical integrity, and vibrant sound. After performing last season with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the LA Times declared Ms. Porter “on the cusp of a major career.” Her performances have been described as “bold” (Seattle Times) and “virtuosic” (London Times), and at 19 years of age, Ms. Porter has already appeared with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Houston Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
July 16, 2017 – 8:00pm
Ticket price(s):All Seats $29
YouTube sensations turned professional musical act, the ten-man a cappella group Straight No Chaser provides performances of pure musical harmonies sprinkled with comedic lyrics. Clever and fresh, this talented group packs venues around the country and has made numerous TV appearances in their ten-year career.
In a time when so much music is digitally processed, it’s refreshing to hear these unretouched voices providing professional showmanship with a smile and a wink.
The a cappella group Straight No Chaser originated in 1996 at Indiana University. In 2007, a 1998 video of “The 12 Days of Christmas” went viral with over 8 million views and subsequently led to a five-album record deal with Atlantic Records in 2008. The YouTube video has been viewed over 20 million times.
Since its inception, the group has reassembled and reemerged as a phenomenon—with a massive fanbase, numerous national TV appearances, and proven success with two holiday releases, 2008’s “Holiday Spirits” and 2009’s “Christmas Cheers,” as well as their latest release, “With a Twist.” Straight No Chaser is the real deal—the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.
Singer. Movie star. International icon. This is Diana Ross. A fixture in American music for almost 50 years, Ms. Ross has roots firmly planted in the Motown sound, but has added song after song to the list of award-winning and chart-topping brilliance. Each of her hits is instantly recognized as another magical moment in the growth of modern dance music. A true American legend, the ever-lovely Diana Ross brings her class, style and charm to Kresge for a musical master class.
Singer and actress Diana Ross was part of the 1960s pop/soul trio the Supremes before embarking on a successful solo career, also starring in such films as Lady Sings the Blues and The Wiz.
Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, and began singing with friends as a teenager, eventually forming the groundbreaking 1960s trio the Supremes, who went on to have hits like “Come See About Me” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Ross left for a solo career in 1969, later reaching No. 1 with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Love Hangover.” She starred in the films Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues, earning an Oscar nomination for the latter. Despite personal and professional ups and downs, Ross has withstood the test of time as a performer with a career that spans more than four decades.
