Gamelan is the term used to describe music found in Bali, Java and other parts of South East Asia. Derived from the Javanese word ‘gamel’, meaning ‘to handle’ (as in a tool or hammer) it is not surprising that the majority of Gamelan instruments are percussion, although the word has come to mean an ensemble even if no hammering is heard. The word is analogous with the term “orchestra” referring to a genre of music, and the set of instruments, rather than the people who perform on them.

There are dozens of distinctly different Gamelan varieties active in thousands of groups across the relatively small island of Bali, with origins ranging from grand Palace courts and Temple ceremonies, to humble Village feasts and Folk music. The ensembles usually consist of gongs, metallophones, cymbals, drums and flutes, made mostly from bronze and bamboo, but wood and iron instruments are also common.

Gamelan DanAnda is devoted to exploring and performing Balinese musical styles ranging from duos to 30-piece ensembles, in order to bring the fascinating sights and sounds to life for Australian audiences to enjoy up close.