Pitt's University Gamelan Ensemble Presents Annual Concerts April 3 and 4

PITTSBURGH-The University Gamelan Ensemble-whose members perform the rich and exotic traditional music of Indonesia with gongs, chimes, drums, and metal-keyed instruments-will perform its annual concerts at 8 p.m. April 3 and 4 in Bellefield Hall Auditorium, 315 S. Bellefield Ave., Oakland.

This year's performance is titled "Gamelan Dance Music of Indonesia" and will feature Javanese dancer Ening Rumbini and drummer Wahyu Roche. Ensemble director and Pitt professor of music Andrew Weintraub will direct, assisted by Pitt graduate student Indra Ridwan, also a faculty member at the Music Conservatory in Indonesia. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens; Pitt students are admitted free. For more information, call 412-624-4125 or 412-624-4126.

From 11 a.m. to noon April 3, more than 200 regional students in kindergarten through 12th grade are expected to attend a special matinee performance.

The gamelan, which originated on the island of Java in Indonesia, is a collection of large and small gongs, chimes, xylophone-like keyed instruments, and drums. Members of the ensemble sit cross-legged on the floor and strike the instruments with padded mallets. In addition to the gamelan, the concert will showcase tuned bamboo percussion instruments (calung), a drum ensemble (rampak kendang), and modern and traditional dance.

"The rich aural and visual feast that audience members will experience at our concerts is unparalleled," said Weintraub. The Gamelan Ensemble Concert is cosponsored by Pitt's Department of Music, Asian Studies Center, and University Center for International Studies.

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