Project Hibiki – Immersive Sound & Vibrational Energy
Taiko Drum Tasmania Inc. is proud to present this unique collaboration of internationally renowned Japanese musicians and
our own local Tasmanian musical artists in two amazing upcoming events for members of the community to enjoy.
We are most happy to bring together this creative and insightful musical collaboration which also reflects the taiko drum as a therapeutic tool.
It’s not just a rhythmic activity but a deeply mindful practice connecting the body and mind!
There are 2 very different performances open to the public….
ON-YOKU Soothing Immersive Sound Experience –
This event is taking place at the Waterside Pavilion, Mawson Place on Friday 5th September, 2025. [7pm – 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm) After- meet the performers.]
It will be a relaxing sound experience to enhance your wellbeing! You will be able to enjoy the sound vibrations of many instruments including crystal sound bowls, chimes, vocal chanting and handpan drums, and of course the delightful Koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument.
Performance Artists involved – Etsuko Sakai & Makoto Sekine (from Japan) and Lisa O’Neill & Andrew Short (from Tasmania).
ON-YOKU: Purchase Tickets: Adults $10, Conc. $5.
More information below.
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance –
This will be happening at The Dwight Brown Auditorium located at Rosny College on Saturday 6th September, 2025. [2.30pm – 4.00pm (doors open 2pm)]
It will begin with a feature performance of the Koto, (traditional Japanese harp) and a sound bath experience to enjoy with a selection of vibratory instruments.
The artists involved in this part of the performance will be Etsuko Sakai & Makoto Sekine (from Japan) and Lisa O’Neill & Andrew Short (from Tasmania)
Following on from this there will be a selection of Taiko drumming performance pieces.
Japanese Taiko Master Makoto Sekine will astound the audience with an amazing solo performance and will also connect with the Hobart Taiko Drum & Ibuki Group Performers to deliver some amazing taiko drumming performances!
Taiko Drum will be performing a new Taiko piece, titled ‘NEPPU’, which is an adapted version of the original piece written by Taiko Master Makoto. This version has been specifically created for this event and will be performed for the first time here in Tasmania.
Project HIBIKI – Purchase Tickets: Adults $10, Conc. $5.
More information below.
Artist Profiles for Project Hibiki Events – 5th and 6th September 2025
ON-YOKU Soothing Immersive Sound Experience (5/9/2025) and
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
MAKOTO SEKINE – is a Japanese Taiko Master who is highly respected as an artist with an illustrious performance career both in Japan and internationally.
He is also a highly experienced teacher of Taiko drumming in Japan and has two of the biggest purpose-built Taiko studios in the country. When visiting in Tasmania he shares his skills of Taiko with our local training members to further enhance their taiko ability which is much appreciated.
ON-YOKU Soothing Immersive Sound Experience (5/9/2025) and
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
ETSUKO SAKAI – is a professional Koto performer at the Ikuta School in Japan. This instrument is a traditional Japanese string instrument (harp). Etsuko also produces and directs Japanese and traditional music.
She has also performed both in Japan and internationally including seven performance tours to Tasmania.
In 2021 she acquired a certificate of Buddhism understanding through the ‘Jodo Shinshu’ course, and is also skilled in vocal chanting.
ON-YOKU Soothing Immersive Sound Experience (5/9/2025) and
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
LISA O’NEILL – began her career working in the fitness industry.
She later qualified as a Vinyasa Yoga teacher and is now highly recognised as a meditation healer using yogic techniques.
Her meditation practice includes vocal chanting.
She is also a Level 2 Singing Bowl Sound healer.
ON-YOKU Soothing Immersive Sound Experience (5/9/2025) and
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
ANDREW SHORT – is a teacher at Rosny College and has been a close partner through the Rosny College Springboard Kizuna
drumming program for students with additional and high needs.
He is also a classically trained singer and actor.
Andrew also holds two Sound Healing Diplomas and has expertise in the use of multi-instruments to facilitate sound baths.
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
TAIKO DRUM – is a Hobart based taiko drumming group that started back in 2002 and has strong ties to Japan and an ongoing relationship with Japanese taiko masters and groups. We have had wonderful experiences training and performing in Japan, as well as hosting workshops and concerts in Tasmania.
Our group consists of members of all ages, abilities and walks of life, and we run regular training sessions at our Moonah dojo along with Taster Workshops for anyone who would like to give Taiko Drumming a try!
Our group members are very excited to be involved in the ‘Project Hibiki Community Performance’ and sharing this moment with the visiting Japanese performance artists.
PROJECT HIBIKI Community Performance (6/9/2025)
IBUKI TAIKO – this unique Taiko drumming group began in November 2019 after a request for taiko drumming to be available on a regular basis for young people with additional needs. There are regular Ibuki attendees who were members of the Kizuna Taiko drumming group during their time at Rosny College.
The Ibuki students learn to be part of a team playing together and also get the opportunity to express their own unique and individual talents.
Taiko drumming was introduced into Rosny College in 2014 by Belinda Graudins, a long-standing member of Taiko Drum.
Taiko Master Makoto Sekine visited the College in 2017 and invited the Springboard Kizuna drumming group to Japan. Remarkably this trip to Japan went ahead in October 2018. It will be wonderful to have the Ibuki members performing at this very special event, some of which went on the Japan trip.
They will be presenting an adapted version of one of Makoto Sekine’s songs!
Project Hibiki is proudly supported by Arts Tasmania through the Artsbridge Grants Program.
We are also thankful for support from Bridestowe Lavender Estate & The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.