Wed 26 April, 2006

East Kilbride News

Drumming-up Special Honour

The prestigious Supercounty World Achievers' Award has been presented to the Strathaven-based Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers who are steadily creating an international reputation.

The drummers form Europe's first professional touring Taiko group specialising in the ancient
Japanese art of Taiko drumming. Supercounty chairman Ian Livingstone said: "The Lanarkshire Civic Pride Campaign is always priviledged to recognise and highlight the achievements of people and groups who have a link with Lanarkshire.

The Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers had the opportunity to perform the Japanese art of Taiko drumming before a Japanese audience in Japan, and were warmly acclaimed for the quality of their performance. I believe that they are worthy winners of the World Achievers' Award which is reserved for Lanarkshire people or Lanarkshire-based groups who have achieved something extraordinary on a world-wide perspective."

The group had a very successful UK tour in 2005 which included an appearance on the BBC Proms Programme from Glasgow Green and they have just emerged from a 'Dojo Showcase Concert' and are set to embark on a
major UK tour.

Previously, they performed at the 2003 FA Cup Final at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Twickenham rugby final, Paris Disneyland, Glastonbury Festival and the film premiere of 'The Last Samurai.'

The group was formed in 1994 by Neil Mackie and Miyuki Williams and is based at the Mugen Taiko Dojo, a 100 year old byre near Strathaven which has two-foot thick walls and has been carefully converted into a purpose-built Taiko studio, the first in Britain.

The Dojo's extensive outreach programme takes Taiko into the heart of communities performing education concerts at more than 300 primary and secondary schools and special education projects.