We Will Survive: Global Gamelan in a Worldwide Pandemic

In March 2020, the spread of the novel coronavirus changed our lives. For those who practice gamelan and related arts, the restrictions that followed interrupted the very essence of our music-making: to gather with friends and teachers, to react and respond to each other, and to honor both distant roots and local flowers in our ever-evolving global community. This issue of BALUNGAN is dedicated to the stories of gamelan during COVID, the challenges we faced, and the future that we now must envision and create together. We express our deep gratitude to all who contributed, and a sincere hope for everyone’s health, safety, and strength of spirit.