Langen Suka
Sydney Gamelan Association
Based in Sydney, Langen Suka performs traditional
Central Javanese
gamelan and dance.
Giles Gaskell
Coordinator
Janine Marshman
Secretary & Public Officer
Richard Horsley
Treasurer
Grace Hadiwijaya
Enquiries
enquiries@langensuka.asn.au
The Javanese words "langen suka" suggest a collective of people happily united by a common vision. Langen Suka's aim is to develop awareness and appreciation of Javanese performing arts in the community through performances, demonstrations and workshops.
Rehearsals
Regular rehearsals have resumed!
We rehearse on Friday nights, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, in the Old Darlington School at the University of Sydney. More information.
Beginners
Anyone can learn to play the gamelan! As a representation of an ideal society, gamelan has a place for every individual with his or her own personality, character and ability. The easiest instruments will produce a beautiful tone just by being struck and are suitable for beginners; the more difficult instruments offer a complex system of improvisation in melody and rhythm to those who are ready to advance.
Resources
Some of Langen Suka's gamelan notation and teaching resources are available.
Performances
Details of some of Langen Suka's performances in the last decade are available.
Javanese Dance
Like the music of the gamelan which accompanies it, this dance style has Hindu-Buddhist influences seen in the use of statuesque poses and intricate finger and hand positions. In the refined female and male styles, there is a slow and flowing meditative quality similar to that of tai chi which allows the movements and poses to be connected seamlessly. In stark contrast, the strong male style is bold and expansive demanding a high level of physical ability comparable to Western ballet. The rich colours of the costumes, sumptuous jewellery and detailed makeup only serve to beautify the movements of this ancient and highly complex dance form.
