DENPASAR, balitourismnow.com – The 48th Bali Arts Festival (PKB XLVIII) once again highlighted Bali’s vibrant cultural heritage with the debut performance of Bonangan Saluang, a newly developed Balinese gamelan ensemble.
Bonangan Saluang presented by Sekaa Gong Saluang Banjar Kebon, Singapadu Village, Sukawati District, representing Gianyar Regency on Thursday (July 9, 2026) at Ratna Kanda Stage, Bali Cultural Park.
The performance offered audiences a captivating musical journey that blended centuries-old traditions with contemporary artistic innovation.
Every note created a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, inviting visitors to experience the richness of Balinese cultural heritage through fresh yet deeply rooted compositions.
The distinctive sounds of the terompong, gangsa jongkok, jublag, jegog, and kendang, combined with the rhythmic accents of the ceng-ceng, created a powerful and dynamic musical landscape.
Supporting instruments such as the kempur, kempli, bebende, and gong completed the ensemble, producing a harmonious orchestral performance that resonated throughout the venue.
Although the atmosphere remained intimate, the audience enthusiastically appreciated every composition, reaffirming the Bali Arts Festival’s role as a premier showcase for the continuous evolution of Balinese performing arts.
Bonangan Saluang is a newly created gamelan ensemble that combines the musical characteristics of bebonangan, selonding, and gong luang traditions.
The ensemble was developed by composer I Wayan Darya, S.Sn., M.Ag., through an innovative exploration of the saih pitu tuning system to create an entirely new musical identity.
“The creative process began in March 2026, starting with the construction of the instruments and continuing with the composition of new musical works. Since this is an entirely new ensemble, every piece performed was also newly composed,” Darya explained.
For its premiere, Bonangan Saluang presented a carefully curated repertoire reflecting the ensemble’s unique musical character, including compositions inspired by sesandaran, gegangsaran, pegongan, leluangan, and saslondingan traditions.
Among the featured works were Gending Sundaran, portraying villagers gathering for a traditional ceremony; Gending Pudak Sategal, expressing gratitude to God through majestic melodies; Gending Baro, celebrating the joyful spirit of Balinese religious rituals; and Gending Sekar Kemoning, which created a peaceful atmosphere for ceremonial worship.
The performance continued with Gending Asep Menyan, Gending Demung, Gending Baturan Silir, and concluded with the energetic Gending Sesandaran Lebeng, symbolizing the successful completion of a sacred ceremony and harmony between humanity and nature.
According to Darya, the Bali Arts Festival marked the ensemble’s official public debut after previously being performed only during a temple service at Pura Dalem in Singapadu Village.
PKB curator Prof. Dr. I Wayan Dibia praised the creation of Bonangan Saluang as a significant milestone in the evolution of Balinese gamelan.
“Bonangan Saluang demonstrates that Balinese artists can continue to innovate while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. It enriches the diversity of Balinese gamelan and inspires future generations of artists to explore new creative possibilities,” he said.
As Bali’s largest annual cultural celebration, the Bali Arts Festival serves not only as a platform for artistic appreciation but also as one of the island’s leading cultural tourism attractions.
By introducing innovative performances such as Bonangan Saluang, the festival offers domestic and international visitors a deeper understanding of Bali’s living cultural heritage, where tradition, creativity, and innovation continue to flourish together. [buda]