Ngudi Raras
Community Room, Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
This special 3-hour (free) concert takes place in the community room at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art.
In klenèngan, the setlist is not planned beforehand; the bowed fiddle (rebab) player signals each piece by its introductory phrase; the musicians must recognize this to know which piece is being selected. Javanese klenèngan foster a relaxing environment in contrast with formal western-style concerts. It is acceptable for audience members to chat quietly with their neighbor if they notice something fascinating in the music.
Ngudi Raras hails from Central Java, Indonesia, and is led by the renowned drummer Wakidi Dwidjomartono. Wakidi is a native of Surakarta and has garnered a reputation as one of the most masterful and experienced living musicians, having performed extensively for dance, shadow puppet plays, and klenèngan. The group consists of several musicians who currently teach at the performing arts school in Surakarta.