Cornell Gamelan Ensemble to Perform Javanese Adaptation of Thai Royal Anthem
The Cornell Gamelan Ensemble is set to host a unique musical performance on April 26, blending the traditional sounds of Indonesia with a piece inspired by Thailand’s royal anthem. The concert serves as a celebration and welcome for Parkorn Wangpaiboonkit, who joined Cornell’s music department as an assistant professor last fall.
The Significance of “ladrang Siyem”
The centerpiece of the evening is “ladrang Siyem,” a Javanese gamelan adaptation of the traditional Thai royal anthem. This specific piece dates back to 1929 and was composed as a homage to King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) of Thailand—then known as Siam—during his visit to the Surakarta Palace in Java, Indonesia.
During the performance, ensemble director and senior lecturer in music Christopher J. Miller will join Professor Wangpaiboonkit to provide context on the historical and musical idiosyncrasies of the original Siamese melody and how it was adapted into the Javanese style.
Understanding the Gamelan Tradition
Established at Cornell in 1972, the Gamelan Ensemble performs the most prominent form of traditional music from Indonesia. A gamelan is an ensemble consisting primarily of large bronze percussion instruments.
The choice of venue for this performance is intentional. The concert will take place in the Groos Family Atrium of Klarman Hall, a space whose acoustics are designed to resemble pendhapa—the grand pavilions where gamelan is traditionally played within the royal palaces of Java.
Event Details and Attendance
The concert is free and open to the public, offering an accessible way for the community to experience traditional Indonesian percussion and cross-cultural musical history.
- Date: Sunday, April 26
- Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Groos Family Atrium of Klarman Hall, 232 Feeney Way, Ithaca NY
- Admission: Free
Key Takeaways
- Cultural Fusion: The concert highlights “ladrang Siyem,” a 1929 Javanese take on the Thai royal anthem.
- Faculty Welcome: The event celebrates the arrival of Assistant Professor Parkorn Wangpaiboonkit.
- Historical Context: The music commemorates King Prajadhipok’s 1929 visit to Java’s Surakarta Palace.
- Authentic Setting: The performance utilizes the acoustics of Klarman Hall to mimic traditional Javanese pendhapa pavilions.
This performance not only showcases the technical skill of the Cornell Gamelan Ensemble but also emphasizes the historical diplomatic and cultural ties between Thailand and Indonesia.