University of Richmond Brings Javanese Court Performers to Campus

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond’s Department of Music and the Modlin Center for the Arts are hosting an artist residency featuring Indonesian performer and UR artist-in-residence Peni Candra Rini, Balinese shadow master Gusti Sudarta, and musicians and dancers from the Court of Java.

Led by Rini, the visiting artists will teach collaborative classes and workshops for students throughout their week-long residency.

The residency culminates in a public performance on April 19, where the visiting artists will be joined by students and community members in UR’s gamelan ensemble. Blending contemporary dance, music, shadow theater, and video, the program explores the impacts of climate change in Indonesia. It will also feature a special appearance and introduction by a member of the royal court of Java and the Indonesian ambassador to the U.S.

Andy McGraw, a professor of music who specializes in Indonesian music and is the leader of UR’s gamelan ensemble, notes that this is a unique performance. “It is extremely rare to see these dancers outside of Java,” he said. “A contemporary performance rooted in ancient tradition, it also involves new collaborations with faculty, students, and community members at the University of Richmond. We are honored to be bringing attention to the music and culture of Indonesia.”

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