Tuesday, March 3, 2009

My World: Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU)



The above photo is of Angklung Jaipong dance, one of the art and cultural performances staged at Saung Angklung Udjo (Udjo's Angklung House).

Among many performing art groups and houses in Bandung, Saung Angklung Ujdo (or SAU for short) is probably unique in that it is professionally managed and stages performances of a wide array of Sundanese (West Javanese) arts on the daily basis. Established in 1966 by the late Udjo Ngalagena or Mang Udjo and his wife Uum Sumiati, SAU takes pride in its vision and mission not only as a place where Sundanese arts are performed, but also as a living art laboratory and an institution that strive to preserve the Sundanese cultural heritage and provide community-based art education.



The word "angklung" that makes up its name indicates SAU's specialty in this kind of bamboo musical intrument. Angklung is a Sundanese (West Javanese) traditional musical instrument made of bamboo. Angklung performances are the main stapple of SAU's menu. Throughout the two hour daily performances, the angklung and Sundanese bamboo music makes up five out of ten performances given. In one of them, the audience is given a chance to play angklung together as an orchestra with the guidance of an expert teacher. Please check my other blog BANDUNG DAILY VIDEO at some later time to hear the music and see how angklung is played.

Other performances offered at SAU include a Wayang Golek demonstration, Tari Topeng Cirebon (Cirebonese Mask Dance), and Helaran (festive celebration of important occasions in the Sundanese society), and Tari Merak (Peacock Dance).

SAU is located on Jalan Padasuka 118 in the east of Bandung.



This post is BANDUNG DAILY PHOTO's participation in My World Tuesday. Please click the link to check other posts from the participating blogs from around the world.

13 comments:

Louise said...

These seems to be a treat for the eyes as well as the ear. Very nice.

Please be so kind to check for your link to the My World Tuesday site. I could not find where it linked back.

Thanks so much!

Catherine said...

You could make part of the SAU since you promote often in your blog the Sundanese culture and art through the world.
Your first picture is so gorgeous. Of course the subject is perfect with its colors, and the grace of the dancers.
I wonder if the last picture means that SAU is also a school for young children to receive a specific Art education.

Unknown said...

Great shots! Gorgeous ladies and cute kids!

Anonymous said...

What a great visual. Love the colors

Unknown said...

Very interesting and so very different from my world!

Lowell said...

Thank you for these colorful glimpses into your world. Very beautiful!

Unknown said...

Welcome back..I love the photo & your world have many culture to share,
Thanks.

Jane Hards Photography said...

As always so fascinating and how cute and colourful are they.

Lisa Wilson said...

So interesting! I love the bright colors of their clothing.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back and this are such beautiful photos and so much history to share...don't work too hard Eki..

Virginia said...

Just beautiful portraits again Eki. The color and their wonderful faces. Bravo!
V

Purple Cat said...

wonderful!
regards
Purple Cat

Horsoon said...

Angklung is quite popular in Malaysia too, and I love the sound of that instrument although I can't play it.

I certainly didnt know much about it till I read your post :)