ONE of the most influential taiko performing arts ensembles in the world returns to Birmingham to drum in the new year at Symphony Hall.

Kodo head to the second city with ‘Evolution’ on Monday, February 5, as part of their One Earth Tour – five performances in the UK to mark its European premier.

Based on Sado Island in northern Japan, Kodo debuted at the Berlin Festival in 1981.

Since then the internationally-renowned group of taiko drummers have presented over 5,800 performances in 49 countries on five continents.

The physically-charged ensemble, which features drumming from smaller groups and soloists, tell the artistic and creative development of Kodo over four decades.

The performance features signature pieces first heard in 1973 when they performed under the name Ondekoza, to new works created for the premiere in 2016.

The octet produce complex and precise rhythms and reveals the remarkable variety of drumming techniques.

Tickets are priced from £22.50-£32.50. Call 0121 780 3333 or visit thsh.co.uk.