BALINESE GEMELAN ENSEMBLE YOWANA SARI TO PERFORM AT CEDARMERE LATER THIS MONTH

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The Friends of Cedarmere will host an outdoor concert on Saturday, June 28, starting at 3:30 pm.  Following upon a successful fundraising event in May, this is the first musical offering in the group’s inaugural culture series known as Seasons at Cedarmere.  To celebrate an exciting new era in the history of this famed residence of poet, journalist and civic leader, William Cullen Bryant, the Friends have invited a spectacular Balinese gamelan ensemble to perform in the Sunken Garden on the Cedarmere grounds.  The group, known as Yowana Sari, plays a variety of traditional and non-traditional pieces, under the direction of Professor Michael Lipsey of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.  On view will be the orchestra’s magnificent golden instruments crafted by I Pande Sukarta in Bali, consisting of gongs, metallophones and drums, which will be individually demonstrated for their sound and technique, immediately after the concert.  The tradition of the gamelan ensemble is a world renowned cultural treasure, and its influences can be heard in music of some of the most vibrant  artists of our time.  Its richly layered and textured sound can be described as alternately energetic and poised, time-stopping and jaw-dropping.  Performances by Yowana Sari are reputed to be a “once in a lifetime musical experience.”  The exceptionally beautiful setting for the Friends’ concert, in an historical garden overlooking Hempstead Harbor, ensures that this will be a highlight of the summer season.  Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door, and include a porch-side reception as well as full access to the property.  Guests are advised to come early, and to bring a chair or blanket.  The performance will not be rescheduled.  Questions about the event can be addressed to [email protected]  or by calling 1-(800) 763-7190. Cedarmere is located at 225 Bryant Avenue, in Roslyn Harbor. 

 
Yowana Sari, under the direction of Michael Lipsey, performing at St. Lukes Church in Sea Cliff last July. (Photograph by Gregory Sturge)