Gamelan Kembang Telang

Discipline: Music
Homebase: Vancouver
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid
Languages: English

Based in Vancouver, Gamelan Kembang Telang performs traditional and contemporary gamelan music. Gamelan refers to the metallophone-based orchestras and their performing arts traditions from Indonesia. Our group specializes in the genre of gendér wayang from the island of Bali, which is best known for its special function to accompany 'wayang kulit', the art of shadow puppetry. Our repertoire includes new works by Ryan Swaryandana and I Made Subandi which showcase bold new directions in techniques and styles. Our name refers to the blossoming of the blue telang flower, a vibrant and medicinal plant which adorned the gamelan studio of I Made Subandi, who was a renowned gamelan master and mentor to our group.

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Performance(s)

Gamelan Music Performance

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 35 -45 Minutes
Capacity: 600
Tech Requirements: Can be entirely acoustic performance or amplified with a small PA depending on the size of room
Available Formats: In Person

Gamelan Kembang Telang performs traditional and contemporary gamelan music. Gamelan refers to the metallophone-based orchestras and their performing arts traditions from Indonesia. Our group specializes in the genre of gendér wayang from the island of Bali, which is best known for its special function to accompany 'wayang kulit', the art of shadow puppetry. With mallets in each hand, the performers use a special interlocking rhythmic technique that reveal beautiful and complex patterns, fitting together like an intricate musical jigsaw puzzle. As an acoustic artform developed over centuries, it connects across vast histories while continuing to be a focal point for contemporary and innovative sounds. The performance includes compositions by Ryan Swaryandana and I Made Subandi which showcase new and bold directions in techniques and styles. Additionally, dancer Ayu Karisma showcases Balinese dance with a choreography specially made for one of the compositions. Audience participation is also featured through a vocal call-and-response technique called ‘kecak’. The interlocking patterns played on the metallophones are adapted to short vocal expressions that create polyrhythms across a large group of participants, giving the audience an opportunity to learn and make music together.

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