This commission from Dewa Ketut Alit is the latest manifestation of Gamelan Galak Tika's mission to bring modern Balinese composition and dance to Boston audiences. At 29, he is at the forefront of Bali's new generation of composers. Hailing from a family of musicians and dancers, he is co-founder and director of the acclaimed Cudamani Gamelan of Pengosekan Village. His compositions are featured on their recently released CD on Vital Records, and he has also appeared in the US with Gamelan Sekar Jaya and Wayang Listrik. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at MIT.
I Nyoman Catra is one of Bali's most revered and respected dancers and choreographers. He most recently thrilled Boston audiences with his starring role in Shirish Korde's Citra, and he has performed frequently in North America, Europe, and Japan. A co-founder of GGT, he is currently completing his doctorate in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University.
The premiere will be danced by Cynthia Laksawana, director of dance for GGT, and Desak Made Suarti Laksmi. Also a co-founder of GGT, Laksmi has performed internationally as a dancer, musician, and composer. She is currently Luce Professor of Balinese Music, Theatre and Dance at Holy Cross.
Gamelan Galak Tika is the Boston area's first Balinese gamelan. A community ensemble in residence at MIT, GGT was founded in September 1993 for the purpose of studying and performing both traditional and modern Balinese music and dance. In the 10 years since its inception, GGT has performed at dozens of venues throughout New England, including Lincoln Center, BAM Next Wave, Bang On A Can World Orchestra Day, Boston First Night, the Somerville Arts Festival, and numerous universities and museums. They have collaborated with leading Balinese choreographers and dancers, as well as with theatrical groups, other Asian performing artists, electronic musicians and composers, and local dance diva Nicola Hawkins. GGT continues to bring this sophisticated and living art form to the attention of American audiences. For more information about this or other Gamelan Galak Tika events, please visit http://web.mit.edu/galak-tika/www.