About Taiko Meantime
Taiko Meantime strike at the heart of Taiko drumming's magic: an enthralling show combining traditional Japanese rhythms and techniques with eclectic, original compositions, enticing their audience to follow them on a musical journey.
Hailing from Greenwich, London, Taiko Meantime formed in 2001 and soon developed a show has lead them to sold-out performances in London, and appearances on BBC and Channel4 television. In 2004, they had the honour to perform alongside the world-class Hana Yui (of Kodo) at sold-out performances at the Lilian Baylis Theatre in London. In 2005 until the present time, Taiko Meantime have toured extensively with the Henri Oguike Dance Company, a collaboration melding Taiko with contemporary dance, which continues to receive critical acclaim.
See our video, and let the journey begin!
Performers
Mark Alcock, leader of Taiko Meantime, studied and performed Taiko drumming with the Tennon Daiko drummers of Wakayama prefecture in Southern Japan. His teachers include Katsuji Kondo, former front man of the world famous Kodo drummers. On his return to England in 1994, he began playing with the brilliant Japanese percussionist Joji Hirota. Mark was also an original member of Glasgow-based Mugenkyo. He has performed alongside multi-percussionist Peter Lockett, dhol drummer Jonny Kalsi and most recently, regular performances with virtuoso flautist Guo Yue.
Mark also leads Taiko drumming workshops, having offered the first hands-on Taiko workshops in the UK to members of the public and schools. Since 2000 he has extended the education side of his work to the corporate world where he uses Taiko to unite teams in business www.rhythmworks.com.
Edward Pickering learned to play Taiko with Ataka Taiko group in Ishikawa, Japan in 1997 and was a regular performer for them for three years. In 2002 he joined Taiko Meantime, with whom he has performed on three continents. Edward plays Taiko with an energetic and physical style which reflects his interest in endurance sports.
Rosie Ingrey's interest in taiko drumming was first awakened during time spend in Japan. Following the Taiko Meantime Summer School in 2010 she has recently joined Taiko Meantime as a trainee.
Jack Painting's passion for music and the performing arts led to him to discover and pursue the art of Taiko Drumming. Having studied kit drums and music performance at the London Centre of Comteporary Music, and graduating with a 1st in Theatre and Film studies from the University of Reading, Jack completed Taiko Meantime's apprenticeship program in early 2011. He is a former kickboxer, a member of the London Beefeaters Military drum corps and continues to work as a kit drummer.
Rich Hinwood has played percussion for 17 years, covering a wide range of styles including orchestral percussion, percussion ensembles, samba bands, and Afrcian drumming circles. His performance highlights have included tours to Canada, Italy, and Spain, and number of appearances at The Royal Albert Hall. He joined Taiko Meantime early in 2011 and has focused predominantly on performing Taiko ever since.
Francis Webster played with Berabou Daiko in Akita-ken, Japan. He completed his apprenticeship with Taiko Meantime in 2010.
