The Japan Foundation is pleased to present AUN, Cultural Envoy of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, in a series of concerts, mini-concerts and workshops in Thailand. In addition to a major concert in Hua Hin on February 5th, AUN will also collaborate with Boy Thai and Koh Mr. Saxman on February 22, the Auspicious Occasion of H.M. the King's 84th Birthday Anniversary. AUN hopes to encourage and strengthen the "kizuna" (bond) between the people of Thailand and Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and recent flooding in Thailand through their music.

Come and experience the action-packed performance of taiko drums, shamisen, fue (Japanese flute) and chappa (Japanese cymbals) as performed by masters AUN (Ryohei, Kohei) and Hide!

Programs

Hua Hin
February 5, 2012 at 2 p.m.
@ Vic Hua Hin, 62/70 Soi Moo Baan Huana, Nong Kae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Ticket: 500 Baht (half price for students) and 50 Baht for children
Tel. 032-827-814-5
http://www.vichuahin.com/2011/12/aun-japanese-drum
http://www.jfbkk.or.th/art_culture_20120111.php

Bangkok (a joint concert with Boy Thai and Koh Mr. Saxman)
February 22, 2012 at 6 p.m.
@ Sala Bhirom Bhakdi, Lumpini Public Park, Rama IV Rd., Wangmai Patumwan, Bangkok
http://203.155.220.217/office/ppdd/publicpark/english/mainpark/E_Lumpini.html
Free Admission / No reservation
Audiences are cordially invited to bring a picnic and enjoy this free concert in the park.
(No food/drink venders are available in the park)

For further information, please contact Ms. Takita, Ms. Nojima or Ms. Duangchai at the Japan Foundation, Bangkok Tel. 02-260-8560-4.

Other programs

A mini concert with Koh Mr. Saxman
Date & Time: Monday, January 30      23.15-
Venue: Saxophone Pub, Victory Monument

Thai International Travel Fair 2012 (TTAA) Opening act
Date & Time: Thursday, February 23      14:00- (tentative)
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Contact: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) 02-261-3525~6

AUN will also give performances and workshops for schools and universities Bangkok and surrounding suburbs.

During 9-18 February, AUN will tour Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

In corporation with:
AUN, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Vic Hua Hin, Patravadi Secondary School, College of Music of Mahidol University, Pisces Music, Koh Mr. Saxman, and JNTO.

[Profiles of the musicians]

AUN, formed by twin brothers Ryohei and Kohei Inoue (born in 1969), is a versatile band for which each member is a virtuoso in his own right – both musicians can play taikos, samisen and fue. AUN has appeared four times at CARNEGIE HALL, NY and received EMMY AWARDS as a leading member sof ONDEKOZA, a legendary Japanese taiko drum troupe with over 30 years experience of world touring. Ryohei and Kohei joined when they were 18 and performed more than 1000 shows in 16 countries during their 12 years with that group.

In 2000, they launched AUN with the aim of developing their highly individual style of music. So far AUN has released two albums, "DASH" and "EAST", featuring TM Stevens as a bassist and producer, Nuno Bettencourt as a guitarist. In 2006, AUN produced a "Visit Japan" campaign song based on Japanese traditional instruments for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In 2008, AUN's experimentation led to the development of a brand new concept called AUN J-Classic Orchestra, with music performed only on Japanese traditional instruments such as koto, shakuhachi as well as taiko, samisen and fue. The orchestra has released three albums: "Wagakki de Ghibli," "Sakura," and "Michi-Road."

AUN's music is now heard worldwide through the internet, and the brothers' long journey has expanded to cover Europe and Russia.

HIDE (Hideyuki Saito) joined the Taiko group "KODO" in 1987. During his stay with KODO, he performed in over 150 cities around the world, and collaborated with various musicians and artists, including Sir Paul McCartney, Donal Lunny Band, Terumasa Hino, Seitaro Kuroda, Tamasaburo Bando, Kiyohiko Senba, and Hitoshi Komuro. Hide has also performed on the soundtracks of many Hollywood movies such as "HERO", and attended the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo in 2001. More than 10,000 people enjoyed a fabulous performance during KODO's two-day concert at The Acropolis in Athens. Hide also joined international and French performers on the theme song for the FIFA World Cup held in France.

In 2004, Hide decided to leave KODO after 17 years to start his solo career as "Narimono-shi (percussionist) HIDE".