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The LSO gamelan arrived in 2003. It was the first gamelan of its kind in Europe.

Gamelan Semara Dana is the latest in Balinese gamelan and contains two more tones than a standard Gamelan Gong Kebyar. From the same makers in Bali, the LSO also commissioned a gamelan Angklung. This a smaller set of instruments played in temples and for processions.

Together they form the foundation of our Gamelan Programme and have proven a rich addition to the vibrant UK gamelan scene.

The home of the LSO gamelan is LSO St Luke’s, our brand new, state-of-the-art music education centre on Old Street. Facilities are excellent, with full disabled access, and parking on request.

From here we run a wide range of gamelan workshops, starting with Early Years sessions and extending to projects with local primary and secondary schools, businesses and community groups.

How to join in

All workshops begin with a Taster Session and accommodate groups of 15 to 30 people

Taster Session
(1 to 1.5 hours)

An introduction to the cultural context of gamelan and a chance to have a go at playing it. By the end of the session you will be able to perform a short piece of traditional Balinese music.

Taster Plus (full or half day)

Taking the format of the Taster Session, we develop it to allow time to explore the rhythmic subtleties, interlocking melodies and dynamic variations that typify modern Balinese gamelan.

Creative Taster Plus
(full or half day)

Having completed the Taster Session you can let your imaginations loose, working as a group to create a unique gamelan composition.

 

 

 

Traditional Project

An ongoing series of workshops designed to develop playing, listening and memory skills through learning traditional Balinese pieces. You will gain a good understanding of the structures and textures of Balinese gamelan and a chance to develop your team-working abilities and ensemble playing skills.

Creative Project

An ongoing series of workshops which can evolve in many directions. You can create group compositions with gamelan experts, Balinese dance group Lila Bhawa, LSO animateurs and professional players from the London Symphony Orchestra.

You can work on a cross-media project involving dance, puppetry or video and record and ‘re-mix’ the gamelan using the latest technology at LSO St Luke’s.

Community Gamelan Group Sessions

Sessions are run every week for beginners and advanced learners.

Open to everyone, the Community Gamelan Group is a great way to learn gamelan in a sociable and typically Balinese way.

Led by Andy Channing, the UK's gamelan expert, the group works towards regular performances and is occasionally joined by dancers, puppeteers, Balinese performers and composers.

Gamelan/Music Technology Days

Combine the two disciplines to give your students a whole day of different music making experience. Prices on application.

We also invite organisations, either individually or in clusters to host the Gamelan Angklung for residencies of one week and longer.

Back to teaching resources for schools

 

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