Malaysian Gamelan Meets Lion Dance Drumming in Taksu

Description

“Taksu” is an ancient Balinese cultural concept — a sacred spiritual energy or charisma that unites art, performance and people.

That ode to unity is fittingly rendered in Malaysia’s celebrated Hands Percussion ensemble, whose upcoming performance in the scene for cross-cultural dialogue. A rare musical exchange will see riveting pulse of Chinese shigu (lion dance drums) it meets the flowing resonance of Balinese and Malay gamelan percussion, weaving the coolness of metal with the warmth of drum skin.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s musical treasures, gamelan was born in the royal courts and temples of Java and Bali over a thousand years ago. More than 30 sets of instruments, from gleaming bronze metallophones and gongs to the Malaysian 24 Festive Drums rooted in Chinese drumming tradition, fuse with graceful Mak Yong dance and music to transform gamelan into contemporary theatre. For this special occasion, the Hong Kong Children’s Choir also sings to a gamelan reimagining of Jasmine Flower (茉莉花), one of the most beloved Chinese folk songs.

On 6 and 7 November, two performances will be performed at 20:00. Lasting around 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15-minute interval, the programme will be sung in Malay, Indonesian and Putonghua. Contains loud sound effects.

Alongside the shows, there will also be a lecture demonstration called Meet the Gamelan on 7 November, 11:00–12:30. Paid pre-registration required and conducted in Cantonese. Suitable for aged 12 or above.