Gamelan Taniwha Jaya

Location: Oceania > New Zealand, Wellington, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand School of Music, Kelburn, WellingtonYears Active: 2003-Instruments: Balinese > Gong Kebyar

Group of New Zealand musicians specialising in Balinese Gong Kebyar, including new compositions frequently incorporating western instruments. Instruments made by Pak Rantes in Denpasar, purchased by former director Gareth Farr in 2003, who named the group with a combination of Māori (Taniwha – a mythical water monster) and Balinese (Jaya – glorious) to reflect the mix of cultures. Has toured Indonesia and collaborated with NZ band Minuit at WOMAD 2012. Current director: Rupert Snook. New members welcome — contact via website.