‘Gamelan’ refers specifically to the large traditional percussion orchestras of Java and Bali within the Indonesian archipelago. The music typically accompanies theater and dance performance or serves as an acoustic offering within Balinese Hindu temple ceremonies. Above all, gamelan is about community. Ensembles are often owned by community organizations and performers are drawn from the community at large. Gamelan began to be studied in university and community settings within North America in the late 1950s. Today there are over 200 ensembles within America and Canada.

The University of Richmond’s ensemble, Gamelan Raga Kusuma, was made by the renowned gong-smith Pande Sukerta who’s team of craftsmen spent five months forging the instruments and carving the cases before the set was placed on a cargo ship for the three month journey to New York harbor. The ensemble was named and sancitifed in Richmond by Gusti Putu Sudarta in the fall of 2007.

Raga Kusuma rehearsals are held Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm in room BB117 in the Booker Hall of Music (first floor)/ Rehearsals are free and open to the public. Adults, young adults and (supervised) children are invited to take part; both "trained" and "untrained" musicians are welcome.

During the spring 2008 semester Raga Kusuma will be guest directed by Balinese master musician/dancer/shadow puppeteer I Made Sidia, faculty member at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts in Denpasar, Bali.

For more information or to add your name to the UR Gamelan mailing list, call 804-287-1807 or email amcgraw@richmond.edu.

LISTEN TO GAMELAN!

(A Selection From "Gabor" on Vital Records "Music of the Gamelan Gong Kebyar Vol. 1" VR 401)