I Nyoman Saptanyana and Ida Ayu Ari Candrawati lead one the most respected gamelan ensembles outside Indonesia. In Java and Bali, gamelan music is as popular today as it was a thousand years ago. It is the musical background to every social and cultural gathering, from religious rituals to mainstream radio broadcasts. At the core of gamelan culture is the belief that music is meant to evolve and adapt its repertoire. The New York City-based Dharma Swara is no different. Its repertoire draws from classical gamelan literature and incorporates contemporary pieces specifically written for the group—a perfect example of tradition redefined by contemporary interpretation. In 2010 the twenty-plus ensemble of musicians and dancers was the first non-Balinese group invited to perform at Bali Arts Festival’s annual “battle of the bands.”

MoMA is open late every Thursday in July and August—see the summer exhibitions, hear live music (two sets, at 5:30 and 7 pm) in the Sculpture Garden (which has a cash bar) or dine outdoors on Terrace 5. 

See the full schedule of summer music at MoMA.

The 2011 MoMA Nights series features adventurous musical performers from Africa, South America, China, Indonesia and beyond. The musicians build on specific national and popular musical traditions—uniting them in inventive hybrid styles, bringing new instruments into standard ensembles and enlivening the music with distinctive personal approaches.