After a decade of silence, the world-famous Taiko ensemble Yamato - The Drummers of Japan is finally returning to Vienna in December 2024. From December 17th to 22nd, the group will present their new show Hinotori - The Wings of the Phoenix in the Museumsquartier, which impresses with powerful rhythms, overwhelming precision and a profound narrative of hope and new beginnings. For Viennese culture lovers, this is a long-awaited return that will enchant audiences with a rousing mix of tradition and modern performance art.
The heart of the new show Hinotori - The Wings of the Phoenix is the story of a new beginning, which carries a universal message in the figure of the phoenix. In Japanese and international mythology, the phoenix stands for resurrection, immortality and the cycle of life - it burns in flames only to rise majestically from its own ashes.
This powerful metaphor runs like a thread through the show. The drum beats symbolically embody the fire, the pain and ultimately the departure into a better future. For an audience that may still be feeling the after-effects of global crises and social upheaval, this could hardly be more timely and inspiring.
Yamato's unique Taiko style
For over 30 years, Yamato has fascinated the world with their interpretation of the traditional Japanese Taiko drum art. During this time, the ensemble has performed more than 4.500 times in 54 countries and won the hearts of around 10 million people. Yamato's shows are more than just music concerts - they are multi-sensory experiences that appeal to both the body and the mind. Every movement, every beat of the drum tells a story, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the deep, rhythmic world of the Taiko art.
In Vienna, Yamato will play over 40 traditional Japanese instruments, including the gigantic Odaiko drum, which weighs an impressive 500 kg. The instrument is not only a sonic challenge, but also a symbol of the musicians' dedication and perseverance. The show is complemented by the delicate sounds of the three-stringed shamisen and the bronze Chappa cymbals, which together create a harmonious soundscape. The full potential of the Taiko art unfolds in this combination of massive rhythmic power and delicate accents.

Dedication and precision as the basis for success
The impressive precision and synchronicity that Yamato displays on stage is the result of years of hard work and strict discipline. The members of the ensemble don't just live for their art, they embody it. Daily 10-kilometer runs and carving their drumsticks together are integral parts of their training and an expression of the deep sense of community that characterizes Yamato as a group. This disciplined way of working and the physical fitness it requires are reflected in the energetic performances in which the musicians not only push their instruments but also their physical limits.
With a frequency of up to 500 beats per minute, the show achieves peak performances that are unparalleled. Each beat is precise and at the same time emotionally charged, creating an almost magical connection between the artists and the audience. This connection is what makes Yamato so special - the energy emanating from the stage is immediately felt by the audience and makes the entire hall pulsate in a common rhythm.
Tradition and modernity united in “Hinotori – The Wings of the Phoenix”
Hinotori - Wings of the Phoenix marks a new chapter in Yamato's success story. The show combines deep-rooted Japanese traditions with a modern performance aesthetic that delights both old and young audiences. The performance is more than just a drum show - it is a theatrical experience that tells a captivating story through powerful movements and breathtaking rhythms.
For the Viennese audience, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's leading Taiko groups live. Yamato's performance in the Museumsquartier will not only be a musical highlight, but will also build a cultural bridge between the Japanese and European art worlds. The combination of tradition and modernity, body and sound, hope and new beginnings makes Hinotori an experience that will be remembered for a long time.
Yamato's return to Vienna is therefore more than just a concert - it is a cultural event that brings people together and sends a positive message in times of change. With their infectious energy and moving rhythms, the drummers manage to speak a universal language that resonates in the hearts of the audience.
