KYŌWA Nikyokan Wadaiko x UnitOne
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Saturday & Sunday, September 26 & 27, 2026
SEASON PARTNER
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
SPONSORS
Scott Douglas
OUR MISSION In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
Jean Adelsman
Jane and Jim Isomoto
Dale Korman
Lori Mizuguchi
(In Memory of Torrance Symphony)
Camilla Seferian Ann and Marty Gallagher
Rod and Crystal Macdonell
Nancy and George Mannon
Cliff Numark
Athena Paquette Cormier
Ted and Carolyn Porter
IN KIND SPONSORS
OUR VISION The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences. THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome to Our 2026–2027 Season Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation. As we look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude for our remarkable 30+ year legacy and for the vibrant future we continue to build together. For more than three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay, and that legacy lives on through the artists, audiences, donors, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. This season reflects what we believe at our core: that the performing arts have the power to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. Each performance has been thoughtfully selected to inspire, entertain, and connect, offering moments of joy, reflection, and discovery for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. At TOCA, the arts are for everyone. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been part of our journey for years, we invite you to explore this season and find the experiences that speak to you. From music and theatre to comedy, cultural programming, and family-friendly performances, there is truly something for all. We are continually inspired by the artists we present and the community we serve. Your support, whether through attending performances, donating, volunteering, or simply sharing in these experiences ensures that the arts continue to thrive in Torrance and throughout the South Bay. Thank you for being part of TOCA. We look forward to sharing an unforgettable season with you. As always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@torrancearts.org. See you at the theatre,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Christian Wolf Artistic & Executive Director Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
KYŌWA Nikyokan Wadaiko x UnitOne MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS Gastón San Cristobal Two years ago, I received a message from Yuta Kato. Yuta isn’t just a global reference in wadaiko and a sensei to me; above all, he is a friend the world of taiko has given me. He shared his decision to retire from the stage in three years to fulfill his dream of moving to Hachijo Island. He proposed a collaborative concert with his group, UnitOne, and my group, Nikyokan Wadaiko. UnitOne unanimously decided that I would be the artistic director for this show, an immense honor. I deeply believe that a strong identity is built from creativity and one’s own voice. Therefore, we set a fundamental rule: the repertoire could only consist of compositions created exclusively by members of UnitOne and Nikyokan Wadaiko. I wanted a show where every piece was infused with the presence of the guest group. What you’ll see tonight is the result of years of collective effort and passion. Welcome to KYŌWA - an artistic and intergenerational encounter that brings together Argentina, the United States, and Japan. Gastón San Cristobal, Artistic Director, Nikyokan Wadaiko
Young Kang When Gastón and I first began talking about this concert, I reflected on the meaning of collaboration. It asks us not simply to play together, but to listen to one another, to make room for another artistic voice, and to allow that voice to change our own. Nikyokan Wadaiko brought a different perspective to our music, just as we brought our own perspective to theirs. We didn’t set out to create two groups playing side by side. We wanted to create something that neither group could have created alone. You will hear our individual voices, but you will also hear the spaces where those voices meet and become something new. Young Kang, Artistic Director, UnitOne Yuta Kato Over my 30-plus years in this community, I’ve discovered that what brings me the greatest joy is acting as a connector. UnitOne is my favorite taiko group, and I wanted my dear group to experience what taiko is like in other parts of the world. For me, the most important part of this collaboration was never the final outcome, but the process. Through our similarities and differences, I wanted both groups to grow and show the world that a joint goal can serve as a source of courage and hope. I have no idea exactly what is going to happen on stage tonight, but the care and respect we have for each other will shine through. Yuta Kato, Instigator
WHAT IS KYŌWA? KYŌWA is the resonance of the taiko. Kyo means resonance, and Wa means harmony. We chose this name because it holds the essence of what taiko generates: a vibration that goes beyond the instrument and connects people.
PROGRAM 1. Raiz 2.0 Composer: Rosario Barrios (2019) 2. Red Leaves Composer: Daniel Ólsen (2023) 3. Omoide Composer: Gastón San Cristobal (2017) 4. Fuchidokokara Arrangement: Nikyokan Wadaiko and UnitOne (2026) 5. Tora Composer: Leandro Martínez (2021) 6. Natsu Composer: Gastón San Cristobal (2021) INTERMISSION 7. Midare Uchi Arrangement: Fred Visaya Jr (2026)
8. Aki Composer: Gastón San Cristobal (2024) 9. SugAmen Composer: Yuta Kato & Kris Bergstrom (2014) 10. Winter Composer: Masa Miyano (2020) 11. Hachijo Composer: Masa Miyano (2026) Song: Traditional 12. Haru Composer: Gastón San Cristobal (2019) Arrangement: Andrés Duarte Losa and Ayane Ogawa 13. Futatsudomoe Composer: Gastón San Cristobal (2019) 14. Summer Composer: Aki Imai (2020)
ABOUT… Nikyokan Wadaiko is the Japanese drum ensemble of Nikyokan, the House of Japanese Performing Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Founded in 2019, the group creates an innovative artistic proposal centered on the art of wadaiko, offering a distinctive voice within the region. Possessing the largest collection of professional one-piece taiko drums in Latin America, their repertoire consists primarily of original compositions. The ensemble enriches its dynamic performances by incorporating a variety of traditional Japanese instruments and performing arts beyond taiko drumming. Members: Gastón San Cristobal, Keiji Yonagi, Lorena Yankelevich, Marina Roo, María del Rosario Barrios Caram UnitOne was formed in 2014 and features some of North America’s most exciting performers and world-class taiko repertoire. The group currently consists of 8 members, each of whom has a unique background in music or other performing arts. Together, they use the powerful beats and rhythms of taiko to create dynamic and captivating performances. UnitOne’s performances are known for their energy, precision, and creativity, and are enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Members: Aki Imai, Alex Ito, Blaine O’Brien, Fred Visaya Jr., Jen Baik, Masa Miyano, Young Kang, Yuta Kato THANK YOU… for your Compositions Daniel Olsen Kris Bergstrom for your Help and Support Arthur Mok Asano Taiko U.S. Canna Goto Julia Asano Katsuji Asano Leandro Pitturo Paola Sopranzi Silvia Võ Takako Kato Tania Horiuchi Chris Wolf, Sharon Sapigao, Susan Lyon, the City of Torrance including Eric Wood and James R. Armstrong Theatre Tech Crew
I am honored to support TOCA’s efforts to bring high-quality live entertainment and theatrical performances to the South Bay.
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Thank You SEASON PARTNER City of Torrance $10,000 – $49,999 — STARS Scott Douglas Torrance Refining Company $5,000 – $9,999 — CO-STARS Sares-Regis Group Surf Management, Inc. Supervisor Janice Hahn Torrance Community Credit Union $2,500 – $4,999 — PRODUCERS Jean Adelsman Jane and Jim Isomoto Dale Korman (In Memory of Torrance Symphony) Lori Mizuguchi Camilla Seferian $1,000 – $2,499 — DIRECTORS Chevron Farmers & Merchants Bank Ann and Marty Gallagher Rod and Crystal Macdonell Nancy and George Mannon Cliff Numark Athena Paquette Cormier Ted and Carolyn Porter Smart & Final Charitable Foundation IN-KIND SPONSORS Bakers Man Productions Stuart Levy, CPA, APC Torrance Bakery Torrance Refining Company Tito’s Handmade Vodka $500 — ANGELS Sara Baillie Tammy Khan Ellenmary Michel William Oberholzer Peter Pettler Pamela Popovich Winnie and Jason Seieroe
$250 — FRIENDS Jean Adelsman John and Louise Bye Lynn Fernandez Judith Fisher Gary and Diane Hastings Russell and Carole Lefevre Frank and Marilyn Miles Kenneth and Doris Nakakura Jim Olds Fred and Ann Peitzman Andrea Perez Gail Roulette Sylvia Stadlman Paula and John Verbeck Christian and Robin Wolf Ray Zepeda
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD Katy Geissert, Founding President
$100 — FANS Dan and Heidi Ashcraft Amy Blomgren Janice Burrin John and Sandy Conway Ann Cooper Helen Dennis Patrick and Terry Furey Chuck & Monica Gustafson Eleanor Jones Pentti and Ginger Jussila Bernadette Kociemba Lynda Kraemer Hugh McIntyre George and Helen Nakano Diana Nakashima Peter and Vicki Pellerito Laura Savitz Hazel Taniguchi Ray Uchima Paula Verbeck Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden
ADVISORY BOARD David Benoit Shannon Dean Scott Douglas Donna Duperron Steve Fechner Patrick Furey Ann Gallagher Jonah Hirata Gesuina Lafayette George Nakano Steve Napolitano Bill Oberholzer Ted Porter Ritas Smith Kurt Weideman
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Camilla Seferian, President Heidi Cunningham, Vice President Sara Baillie, Secretary Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jean Adelsman Liliana Dongo Jim Olds Laura Savitz Ray Zepeda
STAFF Christian Wolf, Executive Director Sharon Sapigao, Administration Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality Angie O’Campo, Social Media Coordinator Tes Schaff, Graphic Design
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
October
January
3
Unleashed: True Stories About the Animals We Love
8-10
What the Constitution Means to Me
9&10
Jess & Joe
22&23
Joel Gaines
17
Riptide Film Festival
29
Kontrapunktus
November
February
7
South Bay’s Got Talent
5&6
Meself, Himself, & Herself
13&14
Telephone Tag
20
21
Magic Bingo
Dancing with the South Bay Stars
December 11
Irish Christmas in America
12
Art & Study of Taiko – RECITAL
13
Art & Study of Taiko – CONCERT
March 5&6
Tabitha Meeks
13
Paperback Writer – Beatles Tribute
20
Magic Bingo
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (310) 781-7171 or visit TorranceArts.org