Balinese Gamelan   

 
A unique and immersive experience celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bali through a Balinese Gamelan Concert and Workshop. This event will showcase the mesmerizing sounds of the bronze Gong Kebyar, the majestic bamboo Gamelan Jegog, and the rhythmic human voices of Kecak.  

Gong Kebyar 

The concert will kick off with a captivating performance featuring the bronze Gong Kebyar ensemble. The intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms of the Gong Kebyar will transport the audience to the heart of Bali, setting the tone for an unforgettable musical journey. 

Gamelan Jegog 

Following the Gong Kebyar performance, the spotlight will shift to the Gamelan Jegog, a unique ensemble known for its deep, resonant tones produced by bamboo instruments of varying sizes. The Gamelan Jegog's powerful and melodious sound will showcase the diversity and beauty of Balinese gamelan music. 
 
Kecak 

The concert will culminate with a mesmerizing performance by a Kecak vocal ensemble. Kecak, also known as the "monkey chant," features a group of vocalists chanting in rhythmic patterns accompanied by synchronized hand movements. The pulsating energy and vibrant harmonies of Kecak will leave the audience spellbound, offering a truly immersive experience. 
 
Workshop 

In addition to the concert, we will be hosting a hands-on workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn and perform Kecak. Over the course of 2-3 days, participants will receive expert instruction from experienced performers, covering vocal techniques, rhythmic patterns, and choreography. Through guided rehearsals and group activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Kecak and its cultural significance, culminating in a public performance at the conclusion of the workshop. 
 
 
 
Influence of Balinese music  

on Western and American modern music composers has been significant, particularly in the 20th century. Here are some key points: 
 
Claude Debussy was one of the first to be exposed to Balinese music in the early 20th century. Debussy's fascination with Balinese music is evident in compositions like "Pagodes" from his piano suite "Estampes," where he incorporated pentatonic scales and gamelan-like textures 
 
Colin McPhee, a Canadian composer and musicologist, extensively studied Balinese music in the 1930s. His book "Music in Bali" provided valuable insights into Balinese musical traditions and influenced subsequent generations of composers. 
 
The American composer John Cage was profoundly influenced by Balinese music. Cage's interest in non-Western musical concepts, such as indeterminacy and chance operations, can be traced back to his exposure to Balinese gamelan music. Cage's composition "Sonatas and Interludes" for prepared piano, for example, reflects gamelan-like timbres and rhythmic structures. 
 
The minimalist composer Steve Reich was inspired by his encounters with Balinese gamelan music. Reich's composition "Music for Pieces of Wood" and "Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ" showcase repetitive patterns and interlocking rhythms reminiscent of Balinese music. 
 
Balinese gamelan ensembles have gained popularity outside of Indonesia, particularly in the USA, Europe, and Japan. This rise can be attributed to increased interest in world music, cross-cultural collaborations, and the establishment of academic programs and community ensembles dedicated to Balinese music. 
 
Overall, the influence of Balinese music on Western and American modern music composers has been profound, shaping the development of new musical styles and fostering cross-cultural dialogue in the world of contemporary music. 

Gong Kebyar 

Gamelan Jegog 

Kecak  

Lecture 

Kecak workshop & concert 

Jegog workshop & concert 

Influence of Balinese music on Western composers 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT … 

The Balinese Gong Kebyar is a dynamic and vibrant style of gamelan music that originated in the early 20th century in Bali, Indonesia. It is characterized by its fast tempo, intricate rhythms, and sudden changes in dynamics and tempo. The term "Kebyar" means "to flare up" or "to burst open," reflecting the energetic and explosive nature of the music. 
 
The ensemble typically consists of various bronze percussion instruments, including gongs, metallophones, xylophones, drums, and cymbals. The centerpiece of the ensemble is the large hanging gongs, which produce the characteristic resonant tones that punctuate the music. 
 
In terms of the number of musicians involved, a Balinese Gong Kebyar ensemble can vary in size depending on the specific composition being performed and the preferences of the ensemble leader. However, a typical ensemble may include anywhere from 20 to 40 musicians or more. The ensemble is usually divided into sections, with different groups of instruments responsible for playing specific melodic and rhythmic patterns. These sections work together in a coordinated manner to create the intricate layers of sound that define the Gong Kebyar style. 
 
In addition to the instrumentalists, a Gong Kebyar ensemble may also include dancers or other performers who contribute to the overall visual and theatrical presentation of the music. The ensemble is typically led by a conductor or leader who directs the performance and ensures that the musicians maintain proper timing and synchronization. 
 
Overall, the Balinese Gong Kebyar is a dynamic and expressive form of gamelan music that showcases the technical skill and creativity of its performers. Its complex rhythms, rapid tempos, and rich textures make it a captivating and exhilarating musical experience. 
 
 
The Balinese Gamelan Jegog is a traditional ensemble native to the western part of Bali, Indonesia. It is distinguished by its use of large bamboo instruments, particularly the Jegog, which is a set of horizontally suspended bamboo tubes that are struck with mallets to produce deep, resonant tones. The Jegog is known for its powerful and majestic sound, making it one of the largest and loudest gamelan ensembles in Bali. 
 
The ensemble typically consists of several Jegog instruments of varying sizes, each producing a different pitch, as well as other bamboo percussion instruments such as Reong (smaller bamboo gongs), Kendang (drums), and occasionally Suling (bamboo flutes). The instruments are arranged in a specific configuration according to traditional Balinese music principles. 
 
In terms of the number of musicians involved, a Balinese Gamelan Jegog ensemble can vary depending on the size and composition of the ensemble. However, a typical ensemble may include anywhere from 10 to 20 or more musicians. Each musician is responsible for playing a specific instrument within the ensemble, contributing to the overall texture and harmony of the music. 
 
The ensemble is usually led by a conductor or leader who sets the tempo, cues entrances, and directs the performance. The musicians work together in a coordinated manner, following the conductor's guidance and responding to cues from one another to create a cohesive and expressive musical performance. 
 
The Balinese Gamelan Jegog is celebrated for its rich, deep sound and its ability to evoke a sense of power and grandeur. Its distinctive timbre and mesmerizing rhythms make it a captivating and unforgettable musical experience. 
 
 
 
 
Balinese Kecak, also known as the "Monkey Chant," is a traditional form of vocal music and dance drama that originated in Bali, Indonesia. Unlike other forms of gamelan music that use instruments, Kecak primarily relies on human voices to create rhythmic patterns and melodies. It is often performed as a communal ritual or as part of traditional Balinese ceremonies and festivals. 
 
The Kecak performance typically involves a large group of male performers, often numbering in the hundreds, sitting in concentric circles around a central fire. The performers chant "cak" repeatedly in various rhythmic patterns, which create a mesmerizing and hypnotic vocal texture. The chanting is accompanied by hand gestures and movements, often depicting scenes from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic. 
 
The storylines of Kecak performances often revolve around the heroic deeds of Rama, the central figure in the Ramayana, and his battle against the demon king Ravana. The performers use their voices to mimic the sounds of battle, including the clashing of weapons and the cries of victory or defeat. 
 
Kecak performances are known for their dramatic intensity and theatricality, with performers often incorporating elaborate costumes, masks, and props to enhance the storytelling. The rhythmic chanting and synchronized movements create a powerful and immersive experience for both performers and audiences alike, evoking a sense of ritual and spirituality. 
 
 
Balinese Kecak is a unique and captivating art form that showcases the creativity, skill, and cultural richness of Bali. It continues to be celebrated and performed both within Bali and around the world as a testament to the island's vibrant artistic traditions.