The magnificent Topeng masks on stage immediately set the tone: a cross-pollination of cultures, with a touch of mystery. The richness of colors and the deep sound of the gongs, combined with Black Pencil's surprising instrumentation: recorder, panflute, viola, accordion, and percussion.

Wajang Topeng is the ancient mask version of the well-known wajang kulit puppet theater, a traditional Indonesian dance form that portrays myths and legends. For this program, distinctive composers with various backgrounds were inspired by the specially designed masks. The new music specialists of Black Pencil join forces with the contemporary gamelan ensemble Kyai Fatahillah from Indonesia.

We will premiere new works by Iwan Gunawan (for years the driving force behind Kyai Fatahillah) and multimedia artist and composer Jay Afrisando. These are alternated with traditional Topeng pieces, where the musicians use new techniques with respect and imagination.

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Roderik de Man, born in Indonesia, previously wrote the comedic roller-coaster piece Buffoni! for Black Pencil. This composition is based on the historical Italian street theater commedia dell'arte, in which masks also play an important role in storytelling.

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A spectacular meeting between two sound worlds, blending together in new compositions by Gunawan and De Man, for both ensembles together.

Concert dates
November 5, 2022 - November Music Festival (premiere) [ticket sales]
November 6, 2022 - Muziekgebouw Amsterdam [ticket sales]
November 8, 2022 - Beauforthuis Utrecht [ticket sales]
November 9, 2022 - Kunstlinie Almere [ticket sales]

November 3, 2022: Workshop for students by Iwan Gunawan, Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Tour to Indonesia: August 17-31, 2023. Black Pencil and Kyai Fatahillah meet in Indonesia in August for a series of workshops and concerts.