Our Story
Gamelan DanAnda (GDA) is a Balinese gamelan orchestra based in Melbourne. They mostly perform traditional Gamelan Gong Kebyar, featuring shimmering cascades, virtuosic rhythms and breathtaking crescendos. With a community orchestra at their core, they move easily from community gatherings to major festivals. Teaching, preserving and presenting tradition, while fostering wild contemporary fusions.
Modelled on a Balinese organisation known as a Sanggar
Gamelan DanAnda is modelled on a Balinese organisation known as a Sanggar in which beginners and experienced players, students and professional performers come together to create a dynamic network of musical ensembles under one roof. Generous sharing of knowledge and teamwork are the key components to a successful Sanggar, as everyone benefits from a stronger community.
Open to public membership, to anyone all ages
With no prior gamelan or any musical experiences needed, GDA is dedicated to increasing awareness of the unique features of Balinese Gamelan music, for audiences to enjoy, performers to understand, and composers to be inspired.
A place to study & perform Balinese Classical repertoire
The Sanggar was established as a place to study and perform classical Balinese repertoire so that our new creations and stylistic collaborations will be more meaningful, through appreciation of traditional forms and techniques.