ut gamelan ensemble

  ensemble

The UT gamelan ensemble was established in 1998, soon after my arrival at the University. Named Kyahi Rosowibowo ("The Majestic One"), the instruments of the ensemble were built in Yogyakarta and are available in complete sets in both slendro and pelog tunings.

  director

Rasito Purwopangrawit has played Central Javanese gamelan for most of his life. He began his career as a professional musician at the age of eleven and quickly gained a reputation as a uniquely gifted performer. Rasito has been musical director of Mudha Budaya since 1970, the gamelan troupe accompanying the renowned puppeteer, Ki Sugino Siswocarito. Rasito also teaches gamelan music at STSI (Indonesian Academy of Fine Arts) in Surakarta and at SMKI (Academy of Traditional Music) in Banyumas. In the United States he taught as a Fulbright Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 1993-94. He has also been a resident artist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of California at Riverside. He has taught at the University of Texas at Austin as a Visiting Artist for intermittent periods since 1999.

  rehearsals

We rehearse once a week (usually in the evenings) in the spectacular gamelan room (MBE 3.306). Participation is open to all students and the general public. While no prior experience is required, regular attendance throughout the semester is encouraged. Pak Rasito is also available for more intensive individual lessons.

  performances

As a rule, there is one public performance at the end of each semester. Click here for a video clip of the gamelan ensemble's performance of "Lancaran Makarya" and here for a sound recording of "Tropongan," both performed in April 2006.