Vibrant rhythms filled the Belle Haven Library at the Indonesian Orchestra Performance on Saturday afternoon. The event, featuring traditional tunes, drew people of all ages to take in the mesmerizing harmonies and traditional dance.
Gamelan Sekar Swarasanti, an orchestra based in Santa Cruz County, led the performance. Gamelan is a traditional form of music based in Indonesia that is often played during religious rituals and ceremonies, with the performers showing deep respect for the instruments.
The event included a collection of ancient Indonesian instruments, including the gangsa and gong ageng. Each device bore unique golden inscriptions depicting birds, dragons, and plants. Paired with the deep, earthy gong, the shimmering bell sounds from the metallophone gangsa produced a distinct, hypnotic effect. The cheng cheng, a pair of small cymbals, added a sharp echo that complemented the music. Together, the instruments created a layered melodic sound that reverberated through the room.
“I closed my eyes, and I was in a trance,” community member Gunjan Raizadal said. “I was imagining dancing on top of the instruments.”
Between performances, the musicians opened up the floor for questions as audience members asked about Indonesian instruments, songs, and culture. For the musicians, the performance’s significance extended beyond the meaning of the music itself. They emphasized the value of unifying the community by honoring ancient traditions.
“It’s important to spread news that doesn’t necessarily have a platform,” performer Amanda Loveland said. “Throughout history, [music] has been how we share what matters, even when we don’t speak the same language.”
Alongside playing an instrument, Loveland led an energizing dance, encouraging audience members to rise from their seats and immerse themselves in the performance. Attendees cheered each other on, sharing laughs and applauding.
“It’s like sharing a story. All of these songs have to do with storytelling,” performer Adam Free said. “When Amanda got up and danced, too, it helped elaborate and tell different types of themes, lessons, and emotions.”
Many of the performers also felt a spiritual connection to the music. “When you perform gamelan and Indonesian music, there’s actually all the dances and stories of the gods from the eternity of time,” performer Narayani Nadia said. “So, we’re carrying on that beautiful flow of music, trying to create that unity within all of ourselves and each other.”
“It’s more than entertainment. It’s inner attainment,” Loveland said.
Over the course of the hour, the rhythms and opportunities for audience participation created a lighthearted experience. “We’ve done many large and small events, but this might be the softest, sweetest, lightest, happiest, gentlest, and most interactive one,” Nadia said.
