TAO: PHOENIX RISING to Play Wharton Center, 3/16

An athletic ensemble in dazzling costumes meets explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. TAO: PHOENIX RISING has critics amazed about their extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. The group arrives at Wharton Center on Sunday, March 16, for one performance only. Tickets to see TAO: PHOENIX RISING are available online at whartoncenter.com, at the Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office at Wharton Center, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.

The performers live and train in the mountains of Japan at their own center in the Kuju? Highlands called Grandioso, reaching the highest level of skill after years of intense study. Formed in 1993, TAO: PHOENIX RISING combines the traditional art of Japanese drumming with spectacular modern effects and brings nontraditional flair to the group by drawing on members' diverse backgrounds: one as a rock musician, another a gymnast, and yet another as a composer. They offer a young and vibrantly modern take on a traditional Japanese art form, incorporating some Korean, Maori, and Indonesian influences.

There will be an Insight Preview prior to TAO's performance. Insight Previews are informative talks presented by topic experts who provide unique insights into the performances. This free, half-hour discussion will take place at 2:15 p.m., in the Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge. There is no need to RSVP for Insight Previews.