Chicago Balinese Gamelan

Description

Chicago Balinese Gamelan (CBG) creates transformational cultural experiences that build community and expand individual perspectives. In 2017, CBG was formed by Claire Fassnacht and I Nyoman Mahartayasa with guidance from I Ketut Gede Asnawa. A new wave of volunteers came together and included both American and Indonesian musicians and dancers all eager to explore the rich cultural traditions of Balinese music and dance.

With performances that typically feature 18 musicians and up to nine dancers, CBG is a community-centered ensemble that creates high-intensity, exciting, quality performances while introducing and engaging the public with Indonesian culture, music and dance through performances, lectures, and interactive workshops. The organization's vision is to be recognized as an international resource for learning and experiencing Balinese performing arts and culture. The ensemble rehearses year-round and performs at cultural events and concerts throughout Chicago and northern Illinois. 

Work Sample

Chicago Balinese Gamelan performs Tabuh Jaya Semara (composed in 1964 by the late Wayan Beratha) at its 2021 Fall Concert at Epiphany Center for the Arts on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Chicago Balinese Gamelan performs Tari Legong Tapini (composed by Ketut Gde Asnawa and choreographed by Putu Oka Mardiani in 2016) at its 2021 Fall Concert at Epiphany Center for the Arts on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Tari Pendet was rehearsed and recorded for a virtual performance in November 2020.

The performances linked in this application represent a typical CBG performance which includes instrumental works as well as multiple works that accompany our dedicated dancers. The third selection represents the dedication of our members as they rehearsed separately in order to meet the restrictions brought on by the pandemic. 

History

The organization was founded in 2017 by Claire Fassnacht, with support and guidance from Nyoman Mahartayasa and Ketut Gede Asnawa. During its beginning, the ensemble’s first rehearsals were supported by High Concept Labs, who selected CBG as one of their Fall 2017 Sponsored Artists and supplied CBG its first rehearsal space and administrative support. CBG has since performed around Chicagoland at venues such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, Morton Arboretum’s Asian festival, and Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks series at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Artistic Vision

CBG’s vision is to be a recognized international resource for learning and experiencing Balinese performing arts and culture. In its four years, the ensemble has established long-term sustainability demonstrated by members’ multi-year participation in and dedication to the organization, and by CBG’s public following; through anecdotal observation and audience reporting, audience members bring their families and friends again and again to see performances. The ensemble envisions rising to be one of the most exemplary gamelans outside of Indonesia—so that more Chicagoans are proud to call Chicago Balinese Gamelan their own.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

Chicago Balinese Gamelan (CBG) is a Chicago-based ensemble that performs traditional and contemporary music and dance from Bali, Indonesia. While this art form has historically inspired non-Indonesians around the world for centuries, it remains a vibrant representation of the rich cultural heritage of Bali. CBG has a core of 15 musicians and 10 dancers that aim to honor this dynamic tradition by presenting audiences with vivid multi-sensory experiences.
 
Dancers perform intricate choreography with captivating facial expressions, dramatic makeup, and colorful gold-gilded costumes. The powerful sound of the gamelan is made up of several instruments including deep resonant bronze gongs, powerful high-pitched metallophones, and elegant bamboo flutes. The careful staging of aromatic flower offerings and smoldering incense highlight traditional Balinese performance customs. Finally, at the conclusion of each performance, audience members are invited to touch the instruments, ask questions, and learn about the history of this art form.
 
CBG expands awareness of traditional Balinese music, dance and culture in Chicago and beyond while providing a platform for a diverse group of performers to hone their craft. In addition to delivering accessible, exhilarating, and world-class programs, CBG aims to build audiences of students and families not yet familiar with Balinese culture while connecting with those already familiar and supporting Chicago’s Indonesian-American community.