Ethnomusicology

Traditional Indonesian gamelan music involves an array of instruments built and tuned to be played together. Woodwinds and plucked strings lean heavily on the percussive contributions of metallophones, drums and gongs. It’s the kind of music you’d expect to hear at, for instance, a performance at Unity Temple on the Plaza (707 West 47th Street). In fact, that’s exactly where you’ll hear the Gamelan Genta Kasturi, UMKC’s Balinese-style gamelan ensemble. The group plays polished bronze instruments made by a legendary Balinese master who incorporated the university’s logos in the design of the instruments. The 7:30 p.m. performance (and 2 p.m. Saturday) also includes traditional Balinese court dance and classical Indonesian compositions. It’s free, but the suggested donation is $10 at the door.

Fri., June 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., June 19, 7:30 p.m., 2010