GUELPH – Yamato Drummers deliver a powerful production of “physical music” – something beyond what is often captured by the word “performance.”
Their drumming styles coupled with unique movements, a stunning set, costumes, and incredible lighting create a truly captivating experience, officials say.
This show is part of River Run Centre’s Sleeman-Spring Mill Music Series and takes the Main Stage on Jan. 19 at 7pm.
Yamato Drummers are well-known internationally, travelling the world to bring their spectacle to everyone. Their motto reflects their desire to connect people through the power of percussion: “We go everywhere when somebody needs Yamato.”
Their 2025-26 world tour, “Hito no Chikara” meaning “The Power of Human Strength,” promises to do just that.
The drummers are trained with incredible physical control, creating a powerful soundscape that is explosive and delicate at once, officials say. The result is a spectacle for the senses and an experience of joy, sadness, comfort and comedy, they add.
This performance features more than 40 traditional Japanese taiko drums played by a dozen drummers.
The instruments are various sizes and produce different sounds – their largest drum, affectionately named “Odaiko,” is two meters in diameter and weighs over a thousand pounds.
The visionary behind Yamato Drummers is founder and artistic director Masa Ogawa. As he describes, “This musical instrument eminently represents the identity of the Japanese nation.”
In Japanese culture, the rich beat of the taiko is considered soothing, and the drummers hope to bring this feeling to people everywhere. Since forming in 1993, the group has toured their show throughout 54 countries.
The centre shares its thanks to season sponsor Richardson Wealth, series sponsors Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery, as well as the Government of Canada and the Japan Foundation for bringing this unparalleled, international talent to River Run.
Tickets to Yamato Drummers are $69 for adults, $67 for patrons over 60, $39 for those under 30, and $29 for children under 14.
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, or as part of River Run’s subscribe and save package.
For information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit the box office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to riverrun.ca/whats-on/yamato-drummers25/.
