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Photo by David Andrews

Under the direction of I Nyoman Suadin, the UMD Balinese Gamelan Saraswati Ensemble presents an evening of traditional Balinese music. The ensemble takes its name from Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts. The gong kebyar style percussive instruments used by this ensemble were built by I Wayan Beratha, a leading instrument maker, composer, performer, and teacher in Bali.

UMD Balinese Gamelan Saraswati sometimes has the opportunity to perform with locally based Gamelan Mitra Kusuma. Founded in 1997, Gamelan Mitra Kusuma brings together individuals from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., communities who are devoted to the study and presentation of the music and dance of Bali. The name Mitra Kusuma means "flowering friendship," which describes the spirit of this group. This partnership with the professional gamelan group gives UMD students the opportunity to learn from and cultivate relationships with musicians and dancers.