THE Yamato Drummers of Japan are athletes as much as musicians, as the Grand Opera House audience will witness in York on February 18.

These ultra-energetic Far East drummers begin each day with a 10km run, train for 12 hours playing drums that weigh 500kg and lose 2kg every show, a weight loss to match a boxer after a bout.

Now in their 25th year, Yamato will be touring 18 cities in three weeks on their first visit since 2017, this time presenting the British premiere of Jhonetsu (Passion), their most ambitious show yet, wherein the Taiko drummers will challenge themselves to their limits both musically and physically.

Since 1993, the Yamato drummers have performed to seven million people in 54 countries, establishing themselves as trailblazers in the Taiko world by breaking free from the patriarchal confines of the style to include female drummers from the troupe's inception.

Tickets for Yamato's 7.30pm show are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york