Armour & Skin 2019 (2019)

Under the direction of Ghafir Akbar and I Wayan Sudirana, the soothing calls of the Malay and Balinese gamelan coax responses from the Chinese drums and vice versa, striking a lively varying toned conversation of metallic and deep timbre sounds. The gamelan is made of metal, yet speaks gently and elegantly. The drums are fashioned from supple skin; yet is famous for its loud outbursts! Like armour and skin, these two instruments move over the same contours. Both echo, and in both instances, accurate damping of the instrument is crucial for the desired effect. Instruments and artists awaken, embracing the spirit of the arts, the natural inner essence of an individual. The Balinese believe that it is this spirit (an an ancient Balinese concept), along with a little divine inspiration that motivates an artist to great heights. As the world premiere, Armour and Skin 2019 is a celebration of our inner spirits, instruments and music and the magic that happens when everything even discord seem to fall in place for a single purpose – hope.