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

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Learn more about the Balinese gamelan and dance ensemble here.