Gamelan Bike Bike

About this event

Gamelan Bike Bike is one of Canada’s most imaginative contemporary music ensembles, reinterpreting the rich traditions of Indonesian gamelan through new compositions, inventive instrument design, and exhilarating live performance. At the heart of the ensemble is a remarkable orchestra of handcrafted instruments built from reclaimed bicycles and recycled metal, transforming discarded materials into shimmering works of art that are as visually captivating as they are sonically unique. Inspired by the communal spirit and intricate rhythmic language of traditional gamelan, the ensemble commissions and performs new works by leading Canadian composers that honour these traditions while forging an exciting contemporary voice. The result is music of extraordinary colour and texture—hypnotic interlocking rhythms, resonant metallic timbres, and immersive soundscapes that shift effortlessly between meditative stillness and explosive rhythmic energy. Beyond the concert stage, Gamelan Bike Bike is celebrated for creating meaningful community experiences through workshops and participatory performances that invite audiences to engage directly with this remarkable musical tradition. Earlier in the day, the ensemble will present a free gamelan music and dance workshop, offering audiences of all ages the opportunity to experience these extraordinary instruments firsthand. Equal parts concert, sound sculpture, and cultural celebration, Gamelan Bike Bike offers one of the most original and unfo