Beat poets: Twelve musicians will gather to perform Drums&Voices, a show demonstrating the diversity of Asian percussion instruments. — Photo courtesy of the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange

HA NOI (VNS)  — Twelve professional traditional music instrumentalists from seven Asia countries will gather in Ha Noi for a world premiere of the musical performance Drums&Voices this month.

Hosted by the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Viet Nam, the show has been created based on the idea that drums and voices are the most primitive musical instruments in Asia, having fascinated humans for thousands of years with their intrinsic power and energy.

Artists from Viet Nam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Brunei and Japan will present a dynamic, powerful and fascinating performance.

The musicians have spent time in Thailand and in Viet Nam to learn about each other's characters, cultural backgrounds, and creative vision.

To assist the collaboration, famous Japanese composer/director Michiru Oshima has been recruited as the director of Drums&Voices.

Having won awards for TV, animation and film compositions, she has instructed the group to achieve "harmonious diversity" in their music.

Vietnamese artists joining the performance include Mai Lien, who specialises in playing the t'rung – a bamboo percussion instrument from the Central Highlands, and Minh Chi, who plays folk percussion instruments used in cheo (traditional opera).

Other performers include a former member of the famous Japanese drum troupe Kodo, Tsubasa Hori; and Pyi Kyauk Sein from Myanmar, who won the Best Music Award at the Myanmar Motion Picture Academy Awards 2012.

After the debut performances at the Au Co Theatre in Ha Noi on October 17-18, Drums&Voices will tour Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Brunei and Japan throughout October and November.

Tickets for the Ha Noi concerts are free, and available at the Japan Foundation, 27 Quang Trung Street, Tel: (04) 39447419. — VNS