Photo by Jon Singer

"A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesian origin typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings, and vocalists may also be included. The term refers more to the set of instruments than the players of those instruments. A gamelan as a set of instruments is a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are not interchangeable. The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix "an" makes the root a collective noun.

Gamelan are found in the Indonesian islands of Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok (and other Sunda Islands), in a wide variety of ensemble sizes and formations. In Bali and Lombok today, and in Java through the 18th century, the term "gong" has been preferred to or synonymous with gamelan. Traditions of gamelan-like ensembles (sometimes called "gong-chime ensembles" by ethnomusicologists) also exist in the Philippines, Malaysia and Suriname, sometimes due to emigration, trade, or diplomacy. More recently, through immigration and local enthusiasm, gamelan ensembles have become active throughout Europe, The Americas, Asia, and Australia."

- Description courtesy Wikipedia

The Raras Arum Foundation promotes Indonesian Arts and Culture, primarily the music and dance of Central Java.

Gamelan Raras Arum, currently owned by the Foundation, comprises both Slendro and Pelog tunings. The tuning of their set was designed by Widiyanto S. Putro; the set was originally built for Keith Rollinson by Tentrem Sarwanto and his studio, in Surakarta, Indonesia.

Visit the Rarus Arum Foundation website.