2024
Sunday 24 November 2024 – Gathering of the Gamelans 2024
Full gamelan performance at Fitzroy Town Hall alongside six different groups, featuring music and dance from Bali, Central Java, West Java and more: Sekar Kidul (Sunda); Gamelan Dan Anda (Bali); Gender Wayang (Bali); Putra Panji Asmara (Cirebon); Mugi Rahayu (Central Java); Reog (Ponorogo).
Watch our performance here.
Monday 28 October 2024 – The Final Gong #2
Full gamelan performance at Melba Hall, Parkville alongside the university gamelan students and Putra Panji Asmara topeng Cirebon troupe.
Thursday 1 August 2024 – Wayang Kulit @ Gasworks, Albert Park
The Melbourne Community Gamelan accompanied dhalang (puppeteer) Dr. Helen Pausacker for a trio of shows. There were two hour-long daytime performances of the story “Bima Bungkus” at 1030 and 1300, and one 90-minute performance of the story “Sumantri Ngenger” at 2000.
A recording of Bima Bungkus can be accessed here, on the MCG YouTube channel.
Saturday 29 June 2024 – Reog Ponorogo @ Federation Square
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed a short set at the event.
Monday 3 June 2024 – The Final Gong
Full gamelan performance at Melba Hall, Parkville alongside the university gamelan students and Putra Panji Asmara topeng Cirebon troupe.
2023
Saturday 25 November 2023 – Gathering of the Gamelans
Full gamelan performance at Northcote Uniting Church at an all-day event featuring music performed by community Central Javanese, Sundanese, Cirebonese, Balinese and Lampungese music groups from across Victoria. Recordings available here.
Saturday 7 October 2023 – Wedding
Gamelan gadhon for the wedding of Michael and Jessica held at the Jack Rae Pavilion, Berwick. Congratulations!
Thursday 29 June 2023 – Burung Jawa
Gamelan gadhon to precede a viewing of the documentary film Burung Jawa (Birds of Java) by Victoria-based filmmaker Jeremy Lines at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
Monday 26 June 2023 – Social Evening
Members of MCG perform siteran at a social evening to accompany a lovely dinner provided by Loving Hut, Richmond.
March 2023 – Wedding
Gamelan gadhon for the wedding of Ben and Mira held at Riverlea Estate, Warrandyte. Congratulations!
2022
Friday 2 December 2022 – NAILA Ceremony
Gamelan gadhon at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre. NAILA = National Australia Indonesia Language Awards.
Saturday 22 October 2022 – Indonesian Diaspora Fair
Gamelan gadhon at Collingwood Town Hall.
2019
Monday 4 November 2019 – The Final Gong
End of Semester Gamelan Concert with University of Melbourne gamelan students; and Melbourne Community Gamelan, with guest performer, Stewart Fenwick (saxophone)
Monday 10 June 2019 – The Final Gong
End of Semester concert with University of Melbourne student groups; and Melbourne Community Gamelan (abbreviated performance of Sumantri Ngenger).
Saturday 23 February 2019 – Wayang Performance
Lakon (story): Sumantri Ngenger, with guest musician and teacher, Bp Danis Sugiyanto, Church of All Nations, Carlton
2018
Sunday 2 December 2018 – Sounding the City in Bronze
Performance at Birrarung Marr, Federation Bells. Composer: Mitch Mollison; dancer: Ade Suharto
Monday 29 October 2018 – The Final Gong
University of Melbourne student groups; Ray Higgins playing the Didgeridoo; Melbourne Community Gamelan, short segment from a wayang (shadow puppet) performance (fundraising for Oxfam’s Tsunami Emergency Appeal for Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Monday 4 June 2018 – The Final Gong
Featuring Bhinneka Dance Group from Aceh, two University of Melbourne student groups; and Melbourne Community Gamelan.
Thursday 3 May 2018 – Gadhon Performance
For Wonderful Indonesia Tourism at ZINC, Federation Square, Melbourne
Saturday 17 February 2018 – Wayang Performance
Lakon: Palguna Palgunadi with Bp Budi Putra, guest musician and teacher, Berkeley St, Carlton
2017
Saturday 11 November 2017- Workshop
Ilona Wright and Narelle Villella held a 2 hour workshop for Award recipients from NAILA at Berkeley St, Carlton
Monday 30 October 2017 – The Final Gong
Featuring two University of Melbourne gamelan student groups; Lindsay Dugan, playing the shakuhachi; and Melbourne Community Gamelan, with dancers Fitriana Ekawati and Lydwina Adhisty.
Sunday 20 August 2017 – The University of Melbourne Open Day
Gadhon performance
Monday 5 June 2017 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured two University of Melbourne student groups; Dr Wang Zheng-Ting, playing the sheng; and Melbourne Community Gamelan (MCG).
Saturday 25 February 2017 – Australia Indonesia Institute reception
Klenengan
2016
Monday 31 October 2016 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured University of Melbourne gamelan students, Lenggok Geni (Indonesian traditional dances) and MCG.
Sunday 21 August 2016 – ‘The University of Melbourne Open Day’
Performance by MCG Gadhon
Monday 12 September 2016 – ‘The Taste of Gamelan‘
Twelve Javanese musical pieces about food, accompanied by relevant Javanese snacks, interpreted by Ade Suharto with Javanese-inspired dance. Musicians included Ki Poedijono, Dr Joko Susilo and singer, Ria Soemardjo. Uniting Church Hall, 251 High Street, Northcote. The event was organised in conjunction with Yuni’s Kitchen. The Taste of Gamelan was supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Saturday 3 September 2016 – ‘Wedding Anniversary’
MCG accompanied the occasion at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran.
Monday 6 June 2016 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured University of Melbourne gamelan students; Mirva Tarvainen, Finnish musician and composer; and Central Javanese dancer, Dora Melati, accompanied by MCG.
Friday 12 February 2016 – Service celebrating the life of Professor John Legge
MCG gadhon accompanied the service at the Monash University Religious Centre.
2015
Thursday 26 November 2015 – ‘Wedding reception’
Performance by MCG gadhon at The Willows, Melbourne.
Monday 2 November 2015 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured two University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles and Putra Panji Asmara (Cirebon Style Gamelan). MCG presented a short version of the wayang ‘Larasati’ with dhalang Helen Pausacker. The event acknowledged and thanked Professor Cathy Falk for her support of gamelan over the years.
Wednesday 19 August 2015 – ‘Reception for Indonesian Independence Day’
Performance by MCG gadhon at The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne. The reception was organised by the Indonesian Consulate General.
Thursday 30 July 2015 – Wayang, lakon ‘Anoman Duta’ (Anoman the Messenger)
Two short wayang performances for school students at Renaissance Theatre, Kew High School with dhalang Helen Pausacker
Monday 8 June 2015 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured two University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles and Adam Simmons playing Shakuhachi. MCG accompanied Ade Suharto’s performance of the dance Golek Manis Pelog Barang.
Saturday 4 April 2015 – ‘Wedding reception’
Musical accompaniment by MCG gadhon at St Andrews Conservatory, Fitzroy.
2014
Monday 27 October 2014 – ‘The Final Gong’ with two University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles and a small Balinese Gamelan Selunding group.
Wednesday 28 May 2014 – Wayang Srikandhi Maguru
Manah with dhalang Helen Pausacker, at Preston Library, City of Darebin.
Monday 26 May 2014 – ‘The Final Gong’ concert featured a University of Melbourne student
gamelan ensemble; MCG who performed a short version of the wayang Srikandhi Maguru Manah
with dhalang Helen Pausacker; Brazilian instrumental music group Trio Agogo who played regional
Brazilian rhythms.
Monday 17 February 2014 – ‘The Final Gong’ featured two University of Melbourne student
gamelan ensembles (Summer Intensive Course) and MCG who performed a short version of the
wayang Srikandhi Maguru Manah with dhalang Helen Pausacker.
2013
Friday 1 November 2013- MCG, with dhalang Helen Pausacker, gave two performances of the wayang Srikandhi Maguru Manah at Point Cook Secondary College.
Monday 28 October 2013 ‘The Final Gong’ featured the University of Melbourne student
gamelan ensembles; MCG who performed a short version of the wayang Srikandhi Maguru Manah
(Srikandhi Learns Archery) with dhalang Helen Pausacker; Robert McMullen and Friends playing
Celtic music.
Monday 3 June 2013 ‘The Final Gong’ featured the University of Melbourne student gamelan
ensembles, MCG and Brandon Lee playing koto.
2012
Monday 29 October 2012 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
featured the University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles, Melbourne Community Gamelan and a group playing Persian music.
Friday August 31 2012 Wayang: The Abduction of Sita (Ramayana)
Dalang Dr Joko Susilo and musical director Ki Poedijono. Musical accompaniment by Melbourne Community Gamelan. Monash gamelan students, taught by Aline Scott-Maxwell, also performed. The event was part of the celebrations marking fifty years of teaching Indonesian and almost forty years of gamelan music at Monash. It was held in the School of Music Conservatorium at Monash University
Monday 28 May 2012 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
featured the University of Melbourne Gamelan ensembles, Melbourne Community Gamelan and a Sitar and Tabla Duet by Denis Phelan and Vincent Dodds.
2011
Monday 24 October 2011 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
featured the University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles, taught by Ilona Wright; Putra Panji Asmara directed by Michael Ewing; and Melbourne Community Gamelan.
Monday 12 September 2011 Wayang: Alap-alapan Surtikanthi
The University of Melbourne Indonesia Forum presented the wayang Alap-alapan Surtikanthi featuring dalangs Dr Joko Susilo and Helen Pausacker with musical accompaniment by Melbourne Community Gamelan. Musical Director was Ki Poedijono.
Monday 16 May 2011 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
featured gamelan music performed by the University of Melbourne gamelan students taught by Ilona Wright; Putra Panji Asmara, Cirebon Gamelan, directed by Michael Ewing; and Melbourne Community Gamelan which accompanied traditional Javanese dancer Yulitta Owen.
2010
Monday 25 October 2010 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
University of Melbourne student gamelan ensembles, taught by Ilona Wright performed a selection of gamelan music and Melbourne Community Gamelan performed a small wayang, an excerpt from The Ramayana. Helen Pausacker was dalang.
Sunday 17 October. 2010 Shadows to Life: Indonesian shadow puppets, dance and gamelan
At the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) MCG presented a wayang from the Ramayana with Helen Pausacker as dalang. The event featured local Javanese and Balinese gamelan groups and dancers.
Sunday 1 August 2010 Multi-media performance: Furious Elephants and Small White Mice
Melbourne Community Gamelan Gadhon presented a multi-media performance ‘Furious Elephants and Small White Mice’ in the Amcor Lounge, Fairfax Theatre. The Javanese gamelan music, which featured pieces related to animals, was accompanied by projections of original art by Melbourne-based artists. The event was part of ‘Music and Dance from the Heart of Indonesia’ which featured Indonesian ensemble Gangsadewa and was presented by the Arts Centre and Multicultural Arts Victoria.
Friday 23 July 2010 Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers’ Association (VILTA) Awards Night
Melbourne Community Gamelan Gadhon performed at this event at the Asia Centre, University of Melbourne.
Monday 24 May 2010 The Final Gong: end of semester concert
featured University of Melbourne gamelan students, the Melbourne Community Gamelan full ensemble and the Melbourne Community Gamelan Gadhon group.
Friday 9 April 2010 Melbourne Convention Centre event
Melbourne Community Gamelan took part in an event organised by Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia (PPIA).
Saturday 27 February 2010 Knox Festival 2010 Ethni-City Music on the World Stage
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed at this event.
2009
Monday 7th December 2009 Indy Music: Sounds from India & Indonesia
Melbourne Community Gamelan held a concert in the practice rooms to raise funds for the Red Cross Sumatra earthquake appeal. Other groups involved included:
Putra Panji Asmara, Cirebon Gamelan music; and Vinod Prasanna (Bansuri), Glen Kniebeiss (Tabla) and Denis Phelan (Sitar) who played North Indian Classical Music
Over $600 was raised for the cause.
Monday 14th September 2009 Furious Elephants & Small White Mice
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed a multi-media performance at Studio One, Northcote Town Hall as part of the Darebin MusicFeast. The Javanese gamelan music, which featured pieces related to animals, was accompanied by projections of original art by Melbourne-based artists, as well as by puppetry and dance.
Tuesday 25 August 2009 Reception for International Visitors
Melbourne Community Gadhon group performed at this reception at the Sidney Myer Asia Centre at the University of Melbourne.
Sunday May 17 2009 Gathering of the Gamelan
Melbourne Community Gamelan organized a gathering of seven Victorian gamelan groups in an afternoon of music and socialising at the Consulate General. Groups included Permai, Yarragam, Dharma Wanita, Mahindra Bali, Putra Panji Asmara and. MCG played ‘Sounds of Melbourne’, a contemporary gamelan piece composed by Poedijono.
Sunday 15 March 2009 Indonesian Day at the Immigration Museum
Melbourne Community Gamelan, with Helen Pausacker as dalang and Ria Soemardjo as pesinden, performed a short wayang as part of a day of Indonesian music, song and dance.
2008
Sunday 23 November 2008 Gamelan: the art of harmony 4: a concert of Indonesian music, song, dance and shadow puppets.
Helen Pausacker performed a short wayang excerpt which was accompanied by Melbourne Community Gamelan. Ria Soemardjo was psendin. It was part of a combined gamelan performance of Balinese groups (Gender Wayang and Mahindra Bali) and Javanese groups (Permai, Yarragam and the Dharma Wanita Choir). The event was presented by the Australian Indonesian Association of Victoria and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia, Melbourne and at the St Kilda Town Hall.
Monday 20 October 2008 Opening of Asia Week
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed and accompanied dancers Maria Ulfa and Naning Forsyth at the Asia Institute, the University of Melbourne.
Saturday 9 August 2008 Pusaka at the Arts Centre Fairfax Studio.
Together with dancers, Maria Ulfa and Naning Forsyth, Melbourne Community Gamelan supported performances by Melbourne-based Indonesian-influenced group, Blue Thread and the Punakawan Quartet from Indonesia.
Monday 16 June 2008 Javanese Gamelan Soiree
Melbourne Community Gamelan held this event at the Berkeley St practice rooms.
2007
Sunday 25 November 2007 Gamelan: the art of harmony 3: a concert of Indonesian music, song and dance
Melbourne Community Gamelan participated in a combined gamelan performance with Gender Wayang (Balinese Duo), Mahindra Bali, Yarragam and Permai . The event was presented by the Australian Indonesian Association of Victoria and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia, Melbourne in conjunction with the National Gallery of Victoria International.
Saturday 10 November 2007 Wayang: Guthutkaca Sungging
Melbourne Community Gamelan presented the wayang Guthutkaca Sungging (Gathutkaca’s Quest at the Berkeley St practice rooms. Dalang was Dr Joko Susilo (NZ). Musical director was Ki Poedijono.
Wednesday 7 November 2007 Wayang for Schools Geelong: Sukeksi
Dalang Dr Joko Susilo, accompanied by Melbourne Community Gamelan, gave two performances of the Lakon at Clonard College, Geelong.
Thursday 20 September 2007 Wayang
Melbourne Community performed a wayang as part of Darebin Music Feast 2007. Dalang was Helen Pausacker
Wednesday 15 August 2007 Wayang for Schools: Srikandhi Maguru Manah
Melbourne Community Gamelan gave two performances of the lakon (Srikandi Learns Archery) at the Renaissance Theatre, Kew High School. Helen Pausacker was dalang.
Sunday 17 June 2007 Gathering of the Gamelan
Six of Melbourne’s gamelan groups participated: Dharma Wanita, Mahindra Bali, Yarragam, Permai, Putra Panji Asmara and Melbourne Community Gamelan
with gamelan music from different areas in Java and Bali. t the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia.
2006
Sunday 23 July 2006 Gamelan in the Gallery: a concert of Indonesian music, song and dance.
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed the wayang: Dewa Ruci with Helen Pausacker as dalang. Other groups to perform were Permai and Yarragam gamelan groups; Dharma Wanita Choir; Gender Wayang Duo and Indonesian dancers.
Saturday 13 May 2006 Wayang; Dewa Ruci
Was presented in the Berkeley St practice rooms. Helen Pausacker was dalang. Ki Poedijono was musical director.
Sunday 5 March 2006 Gathering of the Gamelan
Melbourne Community Gamelan organized and performed in a gathering of Melbourne gamelan groups which included Dharma Wanita, Mahindra Bali, Yarragam, Permai, Putra Panji Asmara, Gamelan Degung, and Byar. The event was hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia.
Saturday 4 March 2006 Plan International Children’s Picnic
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed at a children’s international picnic at Ceres, Brunswick.
Monday 13 February 2006 Informal soirée
at 210 Berkeley Street, Parkville. (the University of Melbourne).
2005
Sunday 17 July 2005 Gamelan in the Gallery: the art of harmony
Melbourne Community Gamelan together with Permai and Yarragam gamelan groups, the Dharma Wanita Choir and Indonesian dancers performed at the National Gallery of Victoria. The event was presented by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne and the Australian Indonesian Association of Victoria.
Wednesday 9 March 2005 Multi-faith service for Victims of the Tsunami
Melbourne Community Gamelan played at this service at the University of Melbourne.
In 2005, Melbourne Community Gamelan also recorded as background music for two short animated films by students from RMIT and Victoria College of the Arts.
2004
Friday 10 December 2004 Wayang: Srikandhi Maguru Manah
Dalang Helen Pausacker, accompanied by Melbourne Community Gamelan. Part of a series of three performances with video artists. at ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
Sunday 7 November 2004 Gathering of the Gamelans
Melbourne Community Gamelan hosted a combined gamelan performance at the practice rooms, 210 Berkeley Street, Parkville (the University of Melbourne). Participating groups included: Putra Panji Asmara, Permai and Yarragam.
Saturday 28 August Wayang: Pergiwå-Pergiwati
Melbourne Community Gamelan presented this wayang with dalang Ki Poedijono and guest musician Ki Soegito. It was held at the Boite World Music Café in conjunction with the Age Melbourne Writers’ Festival.
2003
Saturday 15 November Wayang: Ramayana
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed the wayang at the Old Quadrangle, The University of Melbourne. Dalang was Dr Joko Susilo and Musical director was Ki Poedijono.
26th September to 11th October Wayang: Drupadi’s Revenge
This was a Fringe Festival production in association with Underbelly Dance Studio. Helen Pausacker was dalang.
Saturday 10 May 2003 Wayang: Kunthi Duta – Kresna Gugah
Melbourne Community Gamelan presented the wayang at the Basement Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, The University of Melbourne. Dalang was Nyi Suharni Sabdhowati from Indonesia. Musical director was Ki Poedijono. Guest musicians were Sudarsono from Indonesia and Soegito.
March 2003 Opening Ceremony for the Trail of the Elephants
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed at this event at the Melbourne Zoo.
2002
3 August 2002 A night of Javanese Gamelan Music – Solonese and Cirebon Traditions
This event was presented at the Berkeley St practice rooms, The University of Melbourne
Saturday 23 February 2002 Wayang: Wahyu Makutharama
Melbourne Community Gamelan presented the wayang at the Berkeley St practice rooms, University of Melbourne Faculty of Music. Dalangs were Ki Poedijono and Helen Pausacker
2001
11 July 2001 Out of the Archipelago: Music, Dance and Theatre
Performed at Open Stage, the University of Melbourne Arts Centre.
2000
20 October 2000 Ramayana Dance Drama
Performed at Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
5 August 2000 A Concert of Central Javanese Music and Dance
Performed at The University of Melbourne Berkeley Street Music Building.
20 – 24 April 2000 National Folk Festival, Canberra
Melbourne Community Gamelan presented swayang, music and workshops at Exhibition Park, Canberra
1999
27 November 1999 A Concert of Central Javanese Music, Dance and Shadow Puppets was presented at Footscray Community Arts Centre
23 October 1999 A Night of Javanese Gamelan Music and Dance: Solonese and Cirebon Traditions. (East Timor Benefit)
Presented at University of Melbourne Gamelan Room.
19 March 1999 Wayang: Ciptaning
MCG performed a four-hour outdoor shadow-puppet performance at the University of Melbourne. Dalang was Helen Pausacker
1998
30 October 1998 Wayang: Dewa Ruci.
Melbourne Community Gamelan performed the wayang at the Inside Indonesia Benefit at the Brunswick Town Hall. Dalang was Helen Pausacker
12 September 1998 A Concert of Central Javanese Music and Dance
Was presented at the University of Melbourne Art Centre.
1997
Ramayana Dance Drama
Performed at Kangaroo Flat High School, Bendigo
1996
23 November 1996 Wayang: Arjuna Wiwaha
At St Mary’s Hall, Geelong. Dalang Ki Poedijono.
July 1996 Yogyakarta International Gamelan Festival
Melbourne Community Gamelan and other Melbourne-based gamelans performed in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Photo – Article
22 March 1996 Wayang: Semar Boyong & Srikandhi Maguruh Manah.
Dalangs Ki Poedijono and Helen Pausacker performed the wayang on the South Lawn. University of Melbourne.
Chinese New Year Festival