The resonant sounds of gamelan echoed once again across Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) through the organisation of Ensemble of Gamelan (EOG) 2026, a traditional music festival that has now entered its 12th edition, carrying forward the spirit of heritage preservation and creative exploration in the art of Malay Gamelan music. With the theme “The Evolution of Gamelan”, EOG 2026 highlights the remarkable journey of gamelan from its traditional roots within the Malay royal courts to a contemporary form of expression that is fresh, dynamic, and globally relevant, while preserving its original values and refined aesthetics.
The festival was organised by UTP’s Sanggar Kirana Gamelan Group in collaboration with the Talent Empowerment Unit under the Student Affairs Department, reflecting the university’s continuous commitment to nurturing appreciation for cultural heritage among younger generations.
HARMONY OF 11 ENSEMBLES, ONE HERITAGE NARRATIVE
EOG 2026 brought together 11 performing ensembles from diverse backgrounds, including higher education institutions, schools, cultural groups, and heritage organisations. Participating groups included Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), ASWARA, Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah (KISAS), Sekolah Menengah Sains Gua Musang (GUAMSS), as well as cultural groups such as Badarsila, Gangsapura, and Warisan Sari, comprising master practitioners of Terengganu Malay Gamelan. The host ensemble, UTP Sanggar Kirana, also showcased its artistry throughout the festival.
Each performance offered a unique interpretation, making EOG more than just a performance platform—it became a space for dialogue between tradition and contemporary creativity.
LAUNCH OF THE UTP GAMELAN MELAYU CENTRE
A historic milestone was also achieved during EOG 2026 with the official launch of the UTP Gamelan Melayu Centre, an initiative aimed at strengthening efforts in the preservation, education, research, and talent development of Malay Gamelan. The centre was officially launched by YB Dato’ Tun Ahmad Faizal Tun Abd Razak, Terengganu State Financial Officer, and witnessed by To’ Puan Ariza Ibrahim, his wife and Co-Founder of Sahabat Gamelan Terengganu; Professor Dr Benjamin Colin Cosh, Provost Academic of UTP; Ir. Zaimizi Hamdani, Senior Vice President Business and Chief Operating Officer of UTP; and Mr Muhammad Syazwan Shazan Abdul Halim, Deputy Director of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Perak.
The establishment of the UTP Gamelan Melayu Centre reflects the university’s enduring commitment to ensuring that Malay Gamelan continues to thrive as a relevant, sustainable, and celebrated cultural heritage for future generations.
SANGGAR KIRANA: SUSTAINING THE HEARTBEAT OF GAMELAN HERITAGE
At the heart of the festival stands Sanggar Kirana, UTP’s gamelan ensemble, established in 2002 and serving as a driving force in sustaining the practice and appreciation of gamelan music within the university community. What began as a small co-curricular student group has grown into a respected ensemble comprising 47 active members from various academic disciplines. Under the guidance of Mr Mohd Nordin Abdolatip (Dino) and Mr Shazrul Hazwan Roslan, the group continues
to champion Malay Gamelan as a living and evolving artistic language.
A HERITAGE THAT CONTINUES TO BREATHE MODERNITY
Sanggar Kirana’s artistic journey is reflected in the production of albums such as Gatra Pertama, Gatra Kedua, Gatra Ketiga, and Tala Perunggu: Jilid Satu, which not only document the rich traditions of gamelan music but also introduce fresh contemporary interpretations. These achievements demonstrate that gamelan is not merely a heritage to be preserved, but an art form that continues to evolve with time.
EOG AS A MEETING POINT OF ART AND HUMAN CONNECTION
According to EOG 2026 Project Director, Muhammad Haikal Man Ghazali, Ensemble of Gamelan is more than a performance festival; it is an experiential platform that unites people through sound, rhythm, and artistic expression. “EOG is a space where tradition meets new interpretation. It is not only about performance, but also about how we understand and revitalise heritage within a contemporary context,” he said. He further added that student involvement in organising the festival helps cultivate leadership, creativity, and discipline through experiential learning.
GRAND FINALE
EOG 2026 took place on 6 June 2026 at the UTP Chancellor Hall, featuring performances by all 11 participating ensembles. The festival concluded with a special closing performance by UTP’s Sanggar Kirana Gamelan Group and the UTP Performing Arts Group (UPAG), bringing to a close an evening that celebrated the beauty, evolution, and enduring legacy of Malay Gamelan heritage.
