Turn On, Tune In

On Ensemble

Oregon Bach Festival Executive Director John Evans was once a percussionist, so as he tries to expand the venerable music institution's stodgy programming, maybe it's no coincidence that he chose the On Ensemble.  The L.A. based group, which plays the Hult Center June 27, plays not only taiko (the powerful traditional Japanese percussion music) but also brings in Tuvan throat singing, other traditional Japanese instruments such as koto and shamisen, plus elements of contemporary Western music including electronica, hip hop and rock.  It's a true global fusion, and a welcome injection of musical modernity and breadth for the OBF.

Click here to read the full story in the Eugene Weekly.