Concert-goers can learn how to play taiko drums at a free interactive performance with the world-renowned band, AUN, on Feb. 14 at the Youth Theatre.

AUN, featuring the twin brothers Ryohei and Kohei Inoue, consists of traditional Japanese instruments played in an innovative and electrifying way.

Born in Osaka, Japan, the identical twins joined Ondekoza, a world renowned taiko troupe with over 30 years of global experience, right after high school and quickly became its core members.

They have performed on Japanese traditional instruments like taiko, shamisen and fue four times at Carnegie Hall and received Emmy Awards.

During their 12 years with Ondekoza, Ryohei and Kohei performed more than 1,000 shows in 16 countries. In 2000, they launched an exploration of a highly individual style of music in a unit named AUN after the twin Buddha statues in Todaiji temple of Japan's ancient capital of Nara.

The "A" statue represents the beginning of the universe and "UN" represents the end of the universe. "A" and "UN" mean the beginning and the end in Japanese.

In 2006, AUN produced a song called Visit Japan for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, taking steps to send their message overseas with the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments.

AUN's performances are not only musically complex, but also quite exciting and entertaining as they encompass today's rock & roll, ambient, and bass & drum styles, popular with young and old alike.

Over the past eight years Ryohei and Kohei have toured as a duo to countries including the US, Pakistan, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Recently the brothers came up with the idea of forming an orchestra made up exclusively of wagakki (the generic name for Japanese traditional music instruments such as koto, shakuhachi and shamisen).

AUN recently released a compilation of popular theme songs from animated films. This is one of the most sensational projects in the history of traditional music.

AUN, with cymbal artist Saigo Hideyuki, are ready to share their music with Vietnamese audiences. Hideyuki has created the musical score for a number of Hollywood movies and also tours worldwide.

The concert will include performances of traditional Japanese instruments like taiko, fue, and shamisen. They will also perform with artists from Vietnam's National Academy of Music.

Free tickets can be picked up at Japanese embassy, 27 Lieu Giai, from Feb. 7./.