Yogyakarta, May 7, 2025 –
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 06-07, 2025 The Department of Ethnomusicology FSP ISI Yogyakarta received a visit from a contemporary music group from the Netherlands Oorkaan Ansamble. This visit is a form of cooperation between the Department of Ethnomusicology FSP ISI Yogyakarta and Erasmus Huis Netherlands in the field of performing arts initiated by Pendhapa Art Space Yogyakarta. This form of cooperation is in the form of a workshop which is held for two days. On Tuesday, May 06, 2025 students of the Department of Ethnomusicology FSP ISI Yogyakarta had the opportunity to learn to explore the sounds of archipelago musical instruments packaged in the form of music theater. This activity was attended by approximately 15 students from the Department of Ethnomusicology, Theater, and Dance. On Wednesday, May 07, 2025 a workshop on Javanese Karawitan Yogyakarta style was held which was attended by Oorkaan Ansamble personnel. Drs. Haryanto, M.Ed, lecturer at the Department of Ethnomusicology ISI Yogyakarta was asked to be the instructor. Dr. Citra Aryandari, M.A. as the head of the Department of Ethnomusicology ISI Yogyakarta explained that this form of cooperation is a commitment from the Department of Ethnomusicology to build international relations to support learning, especially the development of music in the contemporary world.
The event continued with Gong and the Four Noses, a music theater production from OORKAAN at the Societeit Militaire Building, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. The event, which took place on May 7, 2025, attracted the attention of more than 20 people. 250 spectators, who come to enjoy the unique blend of music and theater in imaginative and interactive performances.
Held in collaboration between *Erasmus Huis Jakarta, **Pendhapa Artspace, and **Ethnomusicology Department of ISI Yogyakarta, this event succeeded in bringing an innovative art experience to the people of Indonesia. With a concept that blends classical and traditional music elements in an entertaining format, *Gong and the Four Noses received a warm welcome from an audience consisting of art lovers, academics, and musicians.
OORKAAN, the Dutch musical theater troupe, once again proved its expertise in bringing music into the world of imagination. The audience was mesmerized by the evocative narrative and the dynamic interplay between characters and instruments that brought the show to life.
The success of this event emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in enriching the performing arts and opening a space of appreciation for various forms of musical expression. With high enthusiasm from the audience, Gong and the Four Noses became one of the memorable performances in Yogyakarta this year.
