Pan-Asian percussive masters revel in both the classical art and the contemporary appeal of taiko—Japanese drumming. Once heard only at traditional ceremonies and temples in Japan, taiko today makes a vital contribution to the global expression of drumming.

In stark contrast to the popular appeal of Taiko Legacy, Reduction explores taiko’s quieter, more subtle beauty. For this hybrid work, director Tatsu Aoki draws on his experience in Tokyo’s new wave of performance art. The unearthly Ayako Kato, one of Chicago’s leading contemporary dance improvisers, performs alongside formidable creative musicians including reedists Edward Wilkerson Jr. and Douglas R Ewart, and flutist Nicole Mitchell. Taiko player Eigen Aoki joins the estimable Michael Zerang and Hamid Drake on snare drums and percussion.