Gamelan
We operate two weekly inclusive gamelan performance groups for adults, which meet on Wednesdays from 2pm – 2:45pm for beginners, and 3pm – 4pm for our advanced class in the Vault Artist Studios, 39 Corporation Street, Belfast.
Open Arts has had the magnificent hand-carved Javanese gamelan orchestra for nearly 30 years and is the only full Javanese gamelan in Northern Ireland. It is an extraordinary collection of melodic percussion instruments from Indonesia comprising gongs, metallophones and drums of various shapes and sizes.
As well as being stunningly beautiful to look at, the gamelan has an other-worldly, vibrant, sonorous sound. The instruments are uniquely accessible to play and have been played by thousands of disabled people, of all ages, over the years. Many participants feel the sounds and reverberations of the gamelan are incredibly relaxing and soothing, which helps with their mental health and wellbeing.
For more information about any of our music programmes, or to organise a bespoke gamelan session for 5 – 12 people please contact Bev, Bev@openartsni.org or phone 028 9024 0765.
