Web resounds with the sounds of Gamelan
Posted on 15 May 2001
Radio 3 have recorded sounds from the University's Gamelan which can be downloaded from their website. With the aid of a set of tutorials, web users can practise a traditional Javanese piece and then play along with a live performance on Radio 3 as part of BBC's Music Live weekend.
"As far as we know this is the World's first virtual online Gamelan," said Dr Neil Sorrell, Director of the Gamelan. "The York Gamelan has always been keen to explore innovative ideas. This is very exciting as we could have people playing the University of York Gamelan simultaneously all over the world."
The website will feature interviews with Dr Neil Sorrell and members of the Gamelan; compositions by Gamelan members and former students will also be broadcast.
The Gamelan is an ensemble from Java and consists of gongs and metallophones (made of bronze), with additional instruments and voices. The Gamelan first came to York from Java in 1982 and is played by approximately 14 people.
The concert will be broadcast from York City Screen on Saturday 26 May at 1pm. The event is free and is not ticketed.
Notes to editors:
- The next three months are a busy time for the Gamelan beginning with a concert in the Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York on 23 May. Following the concert at York City Screen on May 26, the group will appear at the Cheltenham Music Festival with world famous percussionist, Evelyn Glennie and with pianist Dr Nicky Losseff (University of York) on 4 July
- More information about the Gamelan can be found at: www-users.york.ac.uk/~nfis1/gamesp.htm
- Photographs of the Gamelan are available. Please contact Dr Neil Sorrell on 01904 432438