Gamelan refers to large ensembles of mostly bronze percussion instruments, and to the most prominent traditional music from Indonesia. Gamelan’s presence at Cornell offers a window into a truly majestic musical form as well as an entry to the study of the fourth most populous nation in the world.

The Cornell Gamelan Ensemble rehearses weekly, with students taking the course for credit joined by community members, and gives regular public performances. We play on a set of instruments from Central Java. Practical instruction is also offered as part of a 3-credit course covering the full range of music in Indonesia.

Coming up

Cornell Gamelan Ensemble in Concert

with special guest

Peni Candra Rini

in honor of

Marty Hatch (1941–2025)

Thursday, December 11, 3pm

Lincoln Hall B20

Peni Candra Rini is one of the leading exponents of traditional Javanese singing, with a truly exquisite voice—a “force of nature” as our mutual friend Andy McGraw describes it. She’s also an innovative composer, which has taken her to stages around the world. Among other collaborations, she has written several commissioned pieces for the renowned Kronos Quartet. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her right here in Ithaca.

The concert will be held in honor of the founder of the Cornell Gamelan Ensemble, Marty Hatch, who passed away on August 23, 2025. He will be sorely missed. His obituary is available here.