The Southbank’s unusually large gamelan was made in 1973 by Ki Trimantawiguna in Yogyakarta, Central Java. It was presented as a gift from the people of Indonesia to the people of Great Britain, arriving at the Southbank on the 4th December 1987. In accordance with Javanese tradition of naming important gamelan, it is called Kyai Lebdhåjiwå, meaning The Venerable Spirit of Perfection.

With over eighty sets of instruments around the UK, gamelan is now firmly established as a valuable tool in music education. Several members of the Southbank Gamelan Players are tutors for the Southbank Gamelan Programme. In addition, they are increasingly in demand all over the UK and in Europe, working both with established groups and in the development of education projects on newly-commissioned gamelans.

Gamelan courses at the Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is now offering regular classes for adults and children. For information on all gamelan events at Southbank Centre see www.southbankcentre.co.uk/gamelan

Gamelan workshops for schools and groups

Javanese gamelan workshops at Southbank Centre
Specialist gamelan workshop sessions are available to groups of 20 participants, for example GCSE music groups or office away-days. Each two-hour session explores composing, performing and listening with an expert tutor and can be tailored to your specific needs.
To book: call 020 7921 0767
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/gamelan