Gamelan (gah-muh-lan) is an Indonesian term for music ensemble. On the island of Bali, one among thousands of the Indonesian archipelago, there is a rich array of gamelan – including flute ensembles, mouth harp groups, and percussion ensembles of varying sizes and instruments, some of which feature dance and voice. The UWaterloo Balinese Gamelan and Grebel Gamelan Warga Santi perform on the gamelan semara dana – an orchestra of mallet percussion instruments consisting of tuned gongs and bronze-keyed metallophones led by a double-headed drum.
In this concert, experience a blend of the old and new, featuring the energetic interlocking rhythms of Lelongoran – a traditional gong kebyar piece from 1920s North Bali – and original works by students in the Special Topics in Global Music course: MUSIC 392 – Bali, Community, and New Music Creations. Join us on a sonic journey of shimmering melodies and electrifying rhythms to Bali and beyond.
Artistic director: Dewa Suparta, composer, Artist-in-Residence at Conrad Grebel University College
General director: Maisie Sum, ethnomusicologist, Associate Professor at Conrad Grebel University College
Admission is by donation, suggested amounts $10 general/ $5 students. Tickets will be available at the door or from ensemble members.