Gamelan and Koto

Two of the School of Music’s world music ensembles share the stage in this combined concert. The UMD Gamelan Saraswati Ensemble presents traditional Balinese gamelan music played in the kebyar style, which means “to flare up” or “burst open.” This percussion music from the Indonesian island of Bali showcases complex interlocking rhythms often performed in tandem with the delicate motions and multifaceted expressions of Balinese dance. The UMD Japanese Koto Ensemble features music played on the koto, a traditional Japanese 13-string instrument. Koto music reflects the quiet beauty, simplicity and harmonizing effect of Japanese nature.