The term gamelan refers to certain types of orchestra from Indonesia. Most gamelan ensembles are largely made up of tuned percussion instruments. The Hallé's set is typical of those found in Java, and includes gongs and metallophones of various shapes and sizes, as well as xylophones, drums, bamboo flutes and a two-stringed fiddle. Manufactured by Suhirdjan, a respected gong-smith from the city of Yogyakarta, the Hallé gamelan is named Ruming Laras (Fragrant Harmony).  



Gamelan is a versatile educational resource and an accessible way of experiencing the music of a non-Western culture at first hand. Up to twenty players can be accommodated at any one time and the variety of instruments available and aural method of working mean that material can be adapted to suit participants of all ages and abilities. In addition, the gamelan's traditional role as accompaniment for dance and theatre leads naturally into creative cross-arts projects.

There are a number of ways in which individuals and groups can access the Hallé gamelan:

• One-off workshops at Zion Arts Centre, Manchester  
  These usually take place on Thursday mornings. The focus of the session is on learning traditional playing techniques and repertoire.
  
  
• Residencies
  It is possible to arrange for the GAMELAN to come to your school or organisation for a longer period of time - usually from a couple of days to a week. The enables a larger number of participants to access the instruments and opens up the possibility of developing more in depth work with specific groups over a number of sessions.
  
  
• Family Group
  The Hallé, in partnership with Youth Music, are currently running Family Gamelan Groups at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and at Sefton Music Service headquarters in Formby.

If you would like further information about the Hallé gamelan, please contact Rachel Swindells, Gamelan and Community Projects Officer, on 44 (0) 161 237 7021 or at rachel.swindells@halle.co.uk