Authentic Balinese Dance & Gamelan (3)

The 1st Performance (August 26th, 2007)

Having officially opened by the Regent of Gianyar then began the show that night, lots of enthusiastic spectators who want to see back the “taksu” of two groups namely Gunung Sari and Semara Pegulingan Gunung Jati. Imagine, in addition attended the invitation, all the tickets are sold out far in advance, and the open place prepared for the public too crowded.

The Sekaa Gong Gunung Sari was founded by Anak Agung Gde Mandera, I Made Lebah , and friends, in 1926. Begin with young activities in celebrating the Galungan day, “Ngelawang Barong”. Dancing barong with simple music accompaniment danced crossing all over the village. As they gained experience the group become more professional, the try to combine the Barong with the Ardja Operate. With these works they had performed to other regency, Klungkung and Buleleng.

In Buleleng, north Bali, they hear directly for the first time Gamelan Gong Kebyar so alive, and the results of this activity ultimately decided that one day they must have group of Gamelan Gong Kebyar in Peliatan.

Since the age of 15 years, I Made Lebah studied gamelan from Anak Agung Rai Prit in Sukawati. At that time the teacher was very old, but still very happy to teach. If no one comes to learn he will get bored. The more people who want to come to learn, he will be more enthusiasm. Many of his students has become a very popular musicians and composers, I Nyoman Kaler from Denpasar, I Wayan Lotring from Kuta, and I Made Lebah itself, from Peliatan.

On the other side Dewa Ketut Belatjing teach Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengong the Legong dance. In that time (1920′s) the Legong was unknown in Peliatan. There were only Gambuh, Barong, Sanghyang, and Ardja.

The artists from Peliatan ………..

Author : kadek ferry © f-studio
Photo : Doc. Mengenang Sang Guru 2007 (Press Release)