THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
Tropentheater, various times and prices

Indonesian is undoubtedly Amsterdam’s flavour of the month, with the second edition of the International Gamelan Festival Amsterdam kicking off this season’s programming at Tropentheater. Gamelan is the traditional music form in Indonesia, played on gongs, chimes, metallophones, bamboo flutes, drums and strings – the term itself referring to the sacred grouping of instruments rather than the players. While transcendentally light and shimmering melodies are a recurrent character, each gamelan ensemble can vary tremendously in sight and sound depending on geography. This aspect is highlighted within performances on 10 and 11 September, showcasing the dynamism and differences of Balinese and Javanese gamelan culture. Before that, the festival opens with the world premiere of Opera Java (2-5 September, Tropenmuseum) by renowned Indonesian director Garin Nugroho. Based on his 2006 film Opera Jawa, expect a colourful spectacle blending traditional music and dance with modern, technical elements. Another festival highlight: Gamelan Now! (9 September) looks solely at the contemporary nature of the music, including rhythmic reinterpretations of compositions by minimalist maestro Steve Reich – a former student of gamelan.

Win two festival passes that allow access to the four main performances of the IGFA festival. Visit our WIN page for details.