Friends of the Gamelan
Friends of the Gamelan
Dedicated to the performance and instruction
of gamelan music and dance in Chicago since 1980
Two Weekends, Two Extraordinary Concerts
FROG's Balinese Ensemble (formerly Chicago Balinese Gamelan) performs
Ramé: The Joyful Cooperation of Many
With guest artists Dewa Ayu Eka Putri and Putu Tangkas Adi Hiranmayena
And a premiere composition by Ross Lafleur
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 5 p.m. UIC School Theatre and Music
1044 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60607
$15/general ticket; $0 for children 11 years and younger
Musicians' stunning synchronization and dancers' beautiful movements paired with rich colorful costumes dominate this dramatic performance created by Artistic Director Claire Fassnacht. Three riveting gamelan styles are showcased: the robust gong kebyar, the playful angklung, and the boisterous baleganjur marching gamelan.
FROG's Javanese Ensemble performs Innovation through Tradition
With guest artists Heni Savitri and Darsono Hadiraharjo
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8:30 p.m.
Constellation's Links Hall
3111 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
$15/general ticket
Join an evening of gamelan music centered around the boundless influences of the late Ki Nartsabdho, one of the most influential Javanese gamelan musicians of the last half century. Featured works, selected by Artistic Director Alex Yoffe, are composed by, directly inspired by, or transformed by esteemed Javanese composer Ki Nartosabdho.
It's Official! Friends of the Gamelan and Chicago Balinese Gamelan have offcially joined forces.
On August 17, 2023, the two organizations completed the required steps to merge into one nonprofit organization. In maintaining its 40-year legacy, the merged corporation is to be called Friends of the Gamelan. For now, the ensembles will be referred to as the Javanese gamelan ensemble and the Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble.
The merge presents several opportunities. The shared marketing initiatives mean wider promotion of the ensembles' activities, and it minimizes competition and separate efforts for applying for grant awards.
Most significantly, the merge positions the two ensembles as Chicago's resource and one of the country's lead resources for the instruction and enjoyment of Indonesian performing arts and culture. This effort has reaffirmed our commitment to excellence with gamelan and dance performance and education.
Whether you've been a fan of our work for 40 years or you just became introduced to one of our ensembles this year, we thank you for being our advocate and being a "friend of the gamelan"!
Please contact us with any questions at info@chicagogamelan.org.
Mike Awe, Board President
Claire Fassnacht, Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble director
Alex Yoffe, Javanese gamelan ensemble director
Learn more about the Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble here.
