Utama Gamelan Degung and Vocal Music of West Java
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.
Pusaka Sunda
Pusaka Sunda is a 12-member West Javanese performing arts group, led by Burhan Sukarma and based in the San Francisco Bay Area with strong collaborative connections to Bandung, Indonesia. Members of the group are all accomplished musicians who have spent most of their lives learning and performing gamelan music. Founded in 1988, Pusaka Sunda provides a voice for Burhan’s own compositions as well as a means for promulgating the traditional music of West Java. The group has performed all over the United States, toured West Java and produced five recordings of traditional and original music to great acclaim.
Artist Biographies
Burhan Sukarma
Director Burhan Sukarma has a 50 year career as a prolific recording artist, composer and performer. He is known internationally for his improvisational virtuosity on the suling bamboo flute. Burhan’s style of suling playing has influenced all succeeding generations of players in West Java, Indonesia. Burhan has performed, recorded and taught throughout the world and directed the group Pusaka Sunda for the past 35 years. With remarkable success, Burhan continues to be involved in expanding the repertory of the Gamelan Degung and Tembang Sunda genres of music. His latest compositions are featured on the recently released recordings, “Ningnang” and “Utama”.
Ani Sukmawati
Guest Artist Ani Sukmawati is recognized as one of the most sought after vocalists in West Java. Her vocal range includes performances and recordings in multiple music genres. Ani has won many of the prestigious vocal competitions that are held annually throughout West Java. Her online video performances have hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world. She has toured internationally and keeps a busy performing and teaching schedule based in Bandung, West Java. She is the featured vocalist on Pusaka Sunda’s recently released recording “Utama”.
Yusdiana
Guest Artist Yusdiana is an award-winning virtuoso on the kacapi and gamelan degung instruments. He has gained an international reputation through his performances in Europe and Asia. As a first call musician for music competitions, festivals and national events, he performs frequently on TV Republik Indonesia Bandung and Radio Republik Indonesia. He is featured kacapi player on Pusaka Sunda’s recently released recording “Utama”.
