Biography
Taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi creates innovative solo performances that demonstrate a high level of technique and physical strength.
Hayashi was a founding member and premier performer of the musical groups Sado-Ondekoza and Kodo, with whom he worked for 11 years. He became a soloist in 1982 and created a non-traditional method of soloing on the O-Daiko drum.
Hayashi staged and performed in the concert Gassan II at Suntory Hall, Tokyo (2010), and he has also performed with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (2006), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Kent Nagano) (2000), Boston Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Seiji Ozawa) (1976, 1999), and American Symphony Orchestra, New York (1984), among others. He has appeared in various festivals, such as the Japan-Korea Music Festival, Seoul (2005); Saito Memorial Festival, Matsumoto, Japan (2005); and Pacific Music Festival, Sapporo, Japan (2004).
Hayashi has received several awards in recognition of his contributions to traditional Japanese music, including the 8th Award for the Promotion of Traditional Japanese Culture, Japan Arts Foundation (2001) and the 47th Japanese Education Minister’s Art Encouragement Prize in the Popular Entertainment Division (1997).
Born in 1952 in Hiroshima, Japan, he lives and works in Tokyo.
SAF participation:
Inter-Resonance: Inter-Organics(2019)