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Performance Day II (August 27, 2007)

On the second day, August 27, 2007, the performances were presented by the younger gamelan groups, Semara Pegulingan Tirta Sari and Sekaa Gong Kebyar Genta Bhuana Sari.

Mengenang Sang Guru
Performance Day 2 – All Artists

Tirta Sari was founded by Anak Agung Gde Mandera in 1978, with I Made Lebah as the gamelan teacher.

I Made Lebah was a great teacher, and he was known as the man behind Agung Mandera. Anak Agung Mandera, I Made Lebah, and Gusti Kompiang were popular as triple Masters, since at any performance they would always be the leading group. For instance in playing the gamelan of kebyar style I Made Lebah would always be the ugal player – Agung Mandera and Gusti Kompyang would play the kendang or drum, and if playing the palegongan style – the ugal was played by Agung Mandera, and the kendang by I Made Lebah and Gusti Kompiang. In the 1970s the leadership position (the main players) of the gamelan was handed over to the younger generation, Anak Agung Raka Bawa, son of Gungkak Mandera, and I Wayan Gandera, son of I Made Lebah.

As a last brave effort, before he died, Anak Agung Gede Mandera decided to accompany Tirta Sari to Japan in 1985. Here they gave a series of performances in major cities. The fact that Agung Mandera was not in good health and had to use a wheelchair did not dampen his enthusiasm to lead this group until the end of his life. He died on December 1, 1986.

Mengenang Sang Guru
Tirta Sari – Legong Semarandana

In the evening performance of August 27, 2007, Tirta Sari performed the authentic instrumental pieces of Semara Pegulingan and other dances, such as Sekar Gendot, the welcome dance Puspa Mekar, Legong Lasem (complete version), and Legong Semarandhana, all by dancers from the younger generation.

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Author : kadek ferry © f-studio
Photo : Doc. Mengenang Sang Guru 2007
Thanks to Rodney Merrill