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Remembering our patron Rahayu Supanggah

We are very saddened that our wonderful patron, Rahayu Supanggah, has passed away. He supported Good Vibrations for many years and was an incredibly talented composer and musician. He lived a long and full life, with over fifty years performing, composing and teaching gamelan in Indonesia and around the world. He was well known for writing music for theatre and films, won many awards for his compositions and was passionate about showcasing gamelan on an international stage. We were very privileged to have him as our patron.

Rahayu Supanggah had a close working relationship with many UK gamelan musicians, including several of the Good Vibrations team, dating back to the 1990s. He spent an afternoon in HMP Peterborough with one of our facilitators in 2008, and subsequently wrote of his experience in Indonesian newspapers. Our current Executive Director, Katy Haigh, had the good fortune to meet Rahayu Supanggah in 2017 at Cadogan Hall, London where his music for the film “Setan Jawa” was performed live on stage alongside the film. The music was haunting and beautiful, and incredibly exciting and innovative. Good Vibrations’ team members supported the production and the accompanying workshops and seminars as part of a 5-day London International Gamelan Festival.

As a person Rahayu Supanggah was always warm, friendly and welcoming to everyone, no matter how much experience or confidence they brought to his sessions. Talent and charisma shone through him and he inspired a new generation of gamelan players around the world. He will be missed very much and remembered with much affection.

Author: Good Vibrations