Theme – WATER-TIRTA

                   Sept 10-11            Lafayette College- Williams Center for the Arts

                   Sept 12-15            Bucknell College- Weis Center for the Performing Arts

                   Sept 17- 19           Goucher College- Kraushaar

                   Sept 20-22            University of Richmond, Modlin Center for the Arts

                   Sept 23-24           William and Mary College, Williamsburg, VA 

                   Sept 24-26            Tour Washington DC (thank you Smithsonian Institution)

This tour was make possible by the Foundation for World Arts

and a grant from ArtsCONNECT of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. 

Thank you to all that welcomed us after a long COVID lock down-   

our optimism and determination paid off!

“These performers were stunning, and their music and dance enthralling. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance, and… I look forward to the return of Gamelan Çudamani so that I can experience a bit more of that country’s rich culture.” – Jeff Slayton, LA Dance Chronicle 2018 

“I owe Carlos Tortolero and David Chavez at DCASE a debt of gratitude for booking this group at the 2019 World Music Festival. Gamelan Çudamani‘s concert at the Harris Theater was one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. If you have another chance to see a Balinese gamelan of that caliber, do whatever it takes to get there. Gamelan Çudamani, a thrilling, hypnotizing metallophone orchestra from the Indonesian island of Bali. The chance to see a Balinese gamelan in Chicago is a rare privilege…” – Philip Montoro, Chicago READER 2019 

“The group performs a diverse repertoire with astonishing technical precision, high collective spirit and an impressive understanding of artistic nuance. Maintaining an active performance schedule requires a highly dedicated group of individuals — particularly since participation is voluntary. Since its creation, Çudamani [has been in] great demand throughout Bali. The group’s technical accomplishments are unparalleled and their dedication to Balinese traditional values are their hallmark.” – Pomona College 2018

“The vibrancy of the gamelan orchestra, with its synchronized gongs and bells, poignant flute and vocal melodies, transcended in sheer brilliance the specific implications of harmonic modes and other technical procedures. The intricacies of hand and foot gestures in dance accomplished the same transcending act, whatever their specific meanings may be.” – Mark Swed, LA Times 2018

“The ensemble touches the soul with a program that spans the spectrum of human emotion, from sublime to fearless, from reverent to unapologetically playful. Çudamani intrigues the mind and heart and a radiant flash of their eyes invites you into the transcendent experience of Balinese gamelan and dance.” –Boston University 2019 

“Cudamani quietly rebels against the formats that traditionally shape folkloric performances …there is no doubt that the performance brought us closer to the essence of a culture than most touring or touristic performances ever can, making us question and perhaps reject the ways that non-Western or pre-Western traditions are commonly presented on our stages.” — Los Angeles Times

“The best music and dance performance we have seen in more than 30 years of coming to Bali. Dazzling and definitely unique.”

“A rich immersive experience – memories for a lifetime.”

“The best I’ve ever seen. Fast and sharp while dynamic and beautiful, unrivaled in my experience.”

Internationally hailed as one of Bali’s most forward thinking music and dance ensemble, Çudamani is known for their exceptional creativity and superb artistry while always holding dear the classical treasures that have made Bali so renowned. Nurtured and trained in the village of Pengosekan, group members are considered among Bali’s most respected and accomplished musicians and dancers. While in great demand, nevertheless, Çudamani does not perform for tourists in Bali. They perform as a spiritual offering for temples and the village communities.