Concert Introduction

The central Javanese gamelan is one of the largest of the Southeast Asian bronze ensembles. Its classical repertoire, which often features a complex layering of various parts, tends toward the contemplative and relaxed. This thus presents a different musical experience from the dynamic, shimmering sounds of Balinese gamelan in the east, and the sweet, melodious Sundanese variety in the west.

Beyond its role in entertainment and pleasure, the gamelan has long served as a meditative practice to attain transcendence—the liberation of the spirit from the physical and the material.

Laler Mengeng (The Buzzing Fly) is considered one of the most sorrowful pieces in the repertoire. Its name evokes the shimmering iridescent green of flies merrily feasting on corpses, an image that is morbid yet charged with its own peculiar beauty. Singa Nglaras Gamelan Ensemble present this piece, alongside others, associated with death and deliverance, which inspire sorrow—yet also solace—in its listeners. 

Concert Details

• Laler Mengeng: Music of Contemplation, Sorrow and Solace
• Date & Time: 26 Mar 2022, 17:15 | 18:15 | 19:15
• Venue: Esplanade Concourse

About the Artist

Singa Nglaras translates to “relaxing lion” (the word nglarasmeans both to “relax” and “to harmonise and tune”). Formed in Jan 2004 by Jan Mrazek and assisted since 2012 by Thow Xin Wei, the group’s primary activity is the weekly latihan (practice sessions) where they learn, socialise and relax to music. These are free and open to the public, with no musical experience necessary.

The ensemble has previously performed at Esplanade as well as the Malay Heritage Centre. The group has also worked together with Javanese puppeteers and dancers, most notably for Ki Purbo Asmoro, Didik Nini Thowok, Rianto, Ki Aneng and Ki Catur Benyek Kuncoro . In Singapore, Singa Nglaras has collaborated with Gamelan Asmaradana, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Ruanatworkz and Skala.

Advisory:

This is a pilot trial performance with limited seating capacity which may vary depending on the venue. No tickets will be issued. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

From 1 Jan 2022, there will no longer be a concession for unvaccinated individuals to perform Pre-Event Testing in lieu of being fully vaccinated. All patrons (except for children aged 12 and below) need to be fully vaccinated#against COVID-19.

#Full vaccination refers to:

• having received the appropriate regimen of World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines including their respective duration post-vaccination for the vaccine to be fully effective, and had their vaccination records ingested in MOH’s national IT systems
• recovery from a COVID-19 infection within the last 180 days

All patrons are required to do SafeEntry check-in at the venue via the TraceTogether app (version 2.11 and above) or token only. Other modes of SafeEntry check-in will not be accepted.

Information Source: Esplanade