ragakusuma.org

Peni Candra Rini will act as Gamelan Raga Kusuma's Artistic Director from January 9 - May 31, 2023.

A renowned Javanese singer and composer, Candra Rini (PhD) will be in residence at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University as a Fulbright Visiting Artist-Scholar during the Spring 2023 semester. Faculty at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Candra Rini is a recipient of grants from the Asian Cultural Council, a two-time grantee of the US State Department’s One Beat Program and in 2022 was named an Aga Khan Foundation laureate of the arts.

Gamelan is engineered to be highly inclusive. If you can count to eight and hit a gong (you can), there is a place for you. From there, students can take the tradition to infinite levels of expression and virtuosity. Participation does not require purchasing your own instrument or paying for expensive private lessons. If you can show up to rehearsal, there is a place for you. But gamelan is not just about music; it is a combination of sound, theater, dance and—just as important—snacks! Click below to find out about visiting a rehearsal.