Online Stream: The Elements 7 - 13 May 2020
Earth… Air… Wind… Fire… Spirit…
The Ark @ Home brings you this opportunity to experience the power of the elements on a journey through world percussion in this exciting, full staged concert produced by The Ark all the way back in 2004.
Drums and percussion have been indigenous to every culture from the beginning of time. Using the elements identified by the ancient Greeks and medieval alchemists as its inspiration, The Elements takes the audience on a musical journey through earth, water, air, fire and spirit.
Featuring four virtuoso world-class percussionists - David Boyd, Ray Fean, Robbie Harris and Johnny Kalsi - The Elements will enchant children and adults alike presenting them with a dazzling display of drumming styles from around the world. The musicians will play a huge array of instruments including Indian Tabla, African Djembe, Irish Bodhrán, Japanese Kodo and the spectacle of a drummer conjuring sounds from thin air.
Employing dramatic lighting, special effects and thrilling choreography, The Elements is a foot-stomping, hair-raising, LOUD, beautiful, interactive drum and percussion show for all the family.
Discover Beats & Rhythms from Around the World at Home!
As part of The Ark @ Home, children can try their hand at a series of simple rhythm exercises and learn about traditional drums from different countries in our at-home activities exploring Beats & Rhythms from Around The World. Find our more here.
About the Performers
David Boyd
David has worked as composer and director for many of the leading theatre companies in Ireland and the UK. He has coordinated drumcircles for the Kilkenny Arts Festival, St. Patrick’s Festival, Barretstown Gang Camp and many other events and festivals. He devised and presented Big Little Music Show on RTE and has contributed to many TV and film soundtracks.
Ray Fean
Ray has been drumming from an early age and has been influenced by a diverse range of ethnic music styles. He has toured worldwide with Riverdance, and toured and recorded with a myriad of artists including Clannad, Paul Brady, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris and Kirsty McColl. His work has featured on tracks for artists including U2, David Gray, Gabrielle and Emma Bunton.
Robbie Harris
Robbie Harris has performed and given workshops around the world. He has toured extensively with Riverdance, performed in the Broadway production of the show and lectured at Julliard and the New School, NYC. He has recorded with Emer Maycock, Eileen Ivers, Brian Kennedy and Finbar Furey amount others, and performed for President Mary Robinson, President Mary McAleese and Queen Sofia of Norway.
Johnny Kalsi
Johnny has been playing dhol (a traditional North Indian instrument made from a large wooden shell and two goat-hide skins) for many years. He has toured worldwide and played with the highly successful groups Transglobal Underground and Afro Celt Sound System; Johnny featured and contributed to their second album. He has also worked with Peter Gabriel and Avril Lavigne. Johnny established the Dhol Foundation which for the last twelve years has taught dhol to a professional standard around the UK.
As we delve into The Ark’s archive, we hope you won’t mind the pre-HD image quality of our video recording of The Elements - we promise, this performance is all about the music!
Part of The Ark @ Home
With children's shows streaming online, virtual family events and daily at-home arts activities, The Ark @ Home is a series of arts activities and experiences for children aged 2-12 to enjoy in their own homes. Find out more here.