Indonesian Contemporary Gamelan Ensemble (ICGE)
Photo © ICGE - Vihara Avalokitesvara Pamekasan Madura, Indonesia 2018
The Indonesian Contemporary Gamelan Ensemble (ICGE) has a rich history that dates back to its founding on November 18, 2010, in Jakarta by Arham Aryadi. With over a decade of experience, ICGE has become a pioneering group in the world of gamelan music, attracting three generations of players who share a passion for new musical expressions.
ICGE's journey began with a vision to promote the development of gamelan music and push the boundaries of the genre through innovative compositions and performances. Since its inception, ICGE has been committed to showcasing its unique sound and ability to blend traditional and contemporary music elements.
Notable Performances:
• Tembi Yogyakarta Music Festival: ICGE's performance at this festival showcased its unique sound and ability to blend traditional and contemporary music elements, highlighting the ensemble's creativity and skill.
• Festival Karawitan Art Institute Indonesia Surakarta: ICGE's participation in this festival demonstrated its expertise in interpreting and reimagining traditional gamelan music, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
• Jakarta Art Institute Postgraduate Post Festival: ICGE's performance at this festival underscored its commitment to innovation and experimentation in gamelan music, showcasing its ability to engage with diverse audiences.
• Festival Gamelan Erasmus Huis and Goethe Haus Institute Jakarta: These performances highlighted ICGE's versatility and ability to adapt to different performance settings, while maintaining its signature sound.
• "New Music in Gamelan" Tour (2018): Funded by the Kelola Foundation, ICGE embarked on a tour of Madura Island, featuring a 300-year-old gamelan and performing six works composed between 2010 and 2018. This tour showcased ICGE's ability to collaborate with local communities and promote cultural exchange.
About ICGE:
• Mission: ICGE's mission is to promote the development of gamelan music and push the boundaries of the genre through innovative compositions and performances.
• Vision: ICGE's vision is to become a leading ensemble in the world of gamelan music, known for its unique sound and commitment to cultural exchange.
• Values: ICGE values creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and strives to provide a platform for musicians to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
ICGE's Impact:
• Promoting Cultural Exchange: ICGE's performances and collaborations have promoted cultural exchange between different communities, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian music.
• Innovating Gamelan Music: ICGE's innovative approach to gamelan music has pushed the boundaries of the genre, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music enthusiasts.
• Supporting Emerging Artists: ICGE's commitment to supporting emerging artists has provided opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
Future Plans:
• New Compositions: ICGE is currently working on new compositions that blend traditional and contemporary music elements, pushing the boundaries of gamelan music.
• Collaborations: ICGE is planning to collaborate with other artists and ensembles to promote cultural exchange and innovation in gamelan music.
• Community Engagement: ICGE is committed to engaging with local communities and promoting the development of gamelan music in Indonesia.
Description © ICGE - Jakarta, Indonesia 2025
Photo © ICGE - Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta, Indonesia 2018
ICGE's journey began with a vision to promote the development of gamelan music and push the boundaries of the genre through innovative compositions and performances. Since its inception, ICGE has been committed to showcasing its unique sound and ability to blend traditional and contemporary music elements.
Notable Performances:
• Tembi Yogyakarta Music Festival: ICGE's performance at this festival showcased its unique sound and ability to blend traditional and contemporary music elements, highlighting the ensemble's creativity and skill.
• Festival Karawitan Art Institute Indonesia Surakarta: ICGE's participation in this festival demonstrated its expertise in interpreting and reimagining traditional gamelan music, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
• Jakarta Art Institute Postgraduate Post Festival: ICGE's performance at this festival underscored its commitment to innovation and experimentation in gamelan music, showcasing its ability to engage with diverse audiences.
• Festival Gamelan Erasmus Huis and Goethe Haus Institute Jakarta: These performances highlighted ICGE's versatility and ability to adapt to different performance settings, while maintaining its signature sound.
• "New Music in Gamelan" Tour (2018): Funded by the Kelola Foundation, ICGE embarked on a tour of Madura Island, featuring a 300-year-old gamelan and performing six works composed between 2010 and 2018. This tour showcased ICGE's ability to collaborate with local communities and promote cultural exchange.
About ICGE:
• Mission: ICGE's mission is to promote the development of gamelan music and push the boundaries of the genre through innovative compositions and performances.
• Vision: ICGE's vision is to become a leading ensemble in the world of gamelan music, known for its unique sound and commitment to cultural exchange.
• Values: ICGE values creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and strives to provide a platform for musicians to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
ICGE's Impact:
• Promoting Cultural Exchange: ICGE's performances and collaborations have promoted cultural exchange between different communities, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian music.
• Innovating Gamelan Music: ICGE's innovative approach to gamelan music has pushed the boundaries of the genre, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music enthusiasts.
• Supporting Emerging Artists: ICGE's commitment to supporting emerging artists has provided opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
Future Plans:
• New Compositions: ICGE is currently working on new compositions that blend traditional and contemporary music elements, pushing the boundaries of gamelan music.
• Collaborations: ICGE is planning to collaborate with other artists and ensembles to promote cultural exchange and innovation in gamelan music.
• Community Engagement: ICGE is committed to engaging with local communities and promoting the development of gamelan music in Indonesia.
Description © ICGE - Jakarta, Indonesia 2025
Photo © ICGE - Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta, Indonesia 2018