Nogo Abang Gamelan Ensemble
Nogo Abang means red dragon in Javanese and links the dragons traditionally carved on gamelan instruments with the Welsh dragon.
Gamelan are the bronze percussion ensembles of Java and Bali, consisting of an array of gongs and other metallophones but also including singing.
Nogo Abang learn and perform classical Javanese repertoire alongside a range of popular Javanese genres that are played on gamelan instruments and upbeat devotional songs accompanied by a battery of frame-drumes. Pieces are taught through a combination of learning by ear, memorisation, and notation to build a wide repertoire. We play on the beautiful set that is housed at St. David’s Hall and perform there at least once a year, sometimes in conjunction with the Cardiff community gamelan group.
The 2017/18 Gamelan Ensemble took part in a 3-week field trip to Surakarta, Indonesia, where they studied at the Indonesian Institute of Arts and undertook a programme of visits to schools, palaces and theatres to gain a deeper insight into the role gamelan plays in society.
- Auditioned: Yes
- Conductor: Pete Smith
- Rehearsals: Weekend rehearsal scheduled once a semester at St David’s Hall
The Nogo Abang Gamelan Ensemble is only open to Cardiff University School of Music students.
Director: Pete Smith
The School of Music presents their upcoming concert series.