Performances

San Francisco International Arts Festival

The performance, Utama Gamelan Degung and Vocal Music of West Java, showcases the music from Pusaka Sunda’s recent recordings “Utama” and “Ningnang.” Award-winning musicians from Indonesia join Pusaka Sunda to present a dynamic range of music, from the spirited gamelan degung to the refined sung poetry of Tembang Sunda. Director Burhan Sukarma’s soulful suling bamboo flute playing features in glorious interplay with guest artist Ani Sukmawati’s luxurious vocals. The music of this concert, while steeped in tradition, features many recent compositions by Burhan including the world premier of a new vocal piece written to be performed with the guest artists.

Show starts at: 4:00 PM

Pusaka Sunda Celebrates Henry Spiller’s Career

Watch the video of this concert! Pusaka Sunda, directed by Burhan Sukarma, presents a concert of Sundanese music and dance from West Java, Indonesia, featuring guest performers Ani Sukmawati, Rina Oesman, and Yusdiana. The concert marks the retirement of Henry Spiller, who has taught at UC Davis since 2005, including directing UC Davis’s Gamelan for much of that time. Spiller’s teaching and research focus on the performing arts of West Java. Pusaka Sunda’s performance will feature several of Spiller’s most influential teachers and consultants, including Undang Sumarna (UC Santa Cruz), Burhan Sukarma (Pusaka Sunda), and guest artist Yusdiana (with whom Spiller studied during Fulbright research in West Java, 1998–99).

Show starts at: 2:00 PM

Pusaka Sunda presents Utama: Kacapi Suling and Vocal Music of West Java

The performance celebrates music from Pusaka Sunda’s 2022 album release “Utama”. Award-winning musicians from Indonesia join Pusaka Sunda. Director Burhan Sukarma’s soulful suling bamboo flute playing features in glorious interplay with guest artist Ani Sukmawati’s luxurious vocals. The Dresher Ensemble Studio is the perfect environment to experience the intimate nature of Tembang Sunda. The music of this concert, while steeped in tradition, features many recent compositions by Burhan including the world premier performance of a new vocal piece written to be performed with the guest artists.

Show starts at: 7:00 PM

Gamelan Degung Music and Dance

Show starts at: 2:00 PM

Fall Concert in San Francisco

The Bay Area’s gamelan degung group Pusaka Sunda is excited to return to The Drawing Room Annex for an afternoon of music and dance.  The intimate and relaxed performance space is acoustically perfect for experiencing the joy of degung music. Join us from 1-2:30 pm to hear the distinctive rhythms and melodies of Sundanese gamelan and the masterful improvisations of Burhan Sukarma on the suling flute. Pusaka Sunda will be joined by West Javanese dancer, Cia Garcia. The performance coincides with a beautiful art exhibit at The Drawing Room Annex called ADAPTATIONS: Land which explores how we, as humans, adapt to our changing world in this time of environmental threats, climate crisis, and a landscape bridled by social and political restraints.

Show starts at: 1:00 PM

Gamelan Masters Guest Lectures Series

Nusantara Arts invites gamelan masters and related scholars to join them for guest lectures on various topics related to Javanese gamelan music making and Indonesian culture. These lectures are designed to be enjoyed by anyone in the world with an interest in gamelan. Participants will have a deeper appreciation and learn more about the culture and practice of gamelan. All previous lectures can be found streaming at www.nusantaraarts.com.
Burhan Sukarma will discuss and demonstrate, through live and recorded playing, the role of the Sundanese suling in Gamelan Degung, Tembang Sunda, and Kacapi-Suling.

Show starts at: 7:30 EST

Indonesian Cultural Night

Pusaka Sunda, along with groups presenting music and dance from Bali, Java and Sulawesi, will perform at the Indonesian Consulate's Indonesian Cultural Night 2019 event. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the wide range of Indonesian arts represented in the Bay Area.

Show starts at: 5:30 pm

Celebrating 30 Years – Santa Cruz

Following Pusaka Sunda's return from their 30th Anniversary Tour to West Java, the group will present a concert of Gamelan Degung music featuring master bamboo flute musician, Burhan Sukarma. The concert will include gamelan music from the tour, original degung compositions by Burhan Sukarma.

Show starts at: 8:00 pm

Celebrating 30 Years – Berkeley

Following Pusaka Sunda's return from their 30th Anniversary Tour to West Java, the group will present a concert of Gamelan Degung music featuring master bamboo flute musician, Burhan Sukarma. The concert will include gamelan music from the tour, original degung compositions by Burhan Sukarma, vocal arrangements, and a kacapi suling trio. The CJC continues to be one of Pusaka Sunda's favorite venues.

Show starts at: 8:00 pm