On Saturday, November 22, Soh Daiko returned to LaGuardia Performing Arts Center earlier than anticipated as part of Carnegie Hall’s Spotlight on Japan, a month-long celebration of Japanese art, music, and culture. We were deeply honored to be invited to perform in this incredible series!
This performance was especially meaningful for the group, as we celebrated the return of two former members, Yue Qiu and Nick Loh—both of whom bring an infectious energy and spirit. We were also fortunate to be supported by two of Soh Daiko’s founding members, Alan and Merle Okada. To Alan and Merle: the foundation you’ve built and the unwavering support you continue to offer mean the world to us. おかげさまで。
The concert also featured the return of one of our favorite pieces, Bon Daiko, which pits two groups of drummers—East Side and West Side—against each other in exuberant, high-spirited taiko. According to the audience, the battle ended in a tie… so it looks like a rematch is in order!
Soh Daiko was honored to have the Consulate General of Japan in New York’s new Ambassador Satoshi Katahira and Deputy Chief of Mission Hiroyuki Mase, along with their families, in attendance. Ambassador Katahira kicked off the concert with a heartfelt message to our audience. Thank you Ambassador Katahira and DCM Mase for taking the time to spend your afternoon with us! We are proud to bring Japanese American culture and art to audiences whether they are far from home like the ambassador and his family, or in a part of New York City that might not have easy access to it.
Our enormous thanks go to the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center and Carnegie Hall for their continued support, and to everyone onstage and backstage for the dedication, heart, and seamless teamwork that bring this event to life. And to our amazing audience: thank you. Whether you’re a first-time taiko listener or a longtime fan, your energy inspires and motivates us every time.
Thank you—and don’t forget to tag us (@sohdaiko ) in any photos or videos you share. We love reliving the experience through your eyes!
PC: Veronica Diaz
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
