Gendang Sedunia: How Kaleidoscope VII Will Make You Feel The Pulse Of The World

(This blog post originated from Eksentrika. For the full article, please visit Eksentrika's website.)

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HANDS International Drumming Festival — Kaleidoscope VII Gendang Sedunia is set to showcase drummers and percussionists from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Learn how the festival gears itself to transcend borders and cultures through rhythm. This article contains affiliate links. 

Drums are one the world’s oldest and most ubiquitous instruments going back thousands of years to our prehistoric ancestors. Every culture in various regions has its own version of the drum, and with that, unique beats that sometimes act as cultural identifiers. Yet, the rhythms of a drum, no matter where it comes from, can move us and inspire emotions that touch us from within.

The upcoming HANDS International Drumming Festival — Kaleidoscope VII Gendang Sedunia, is an opportunity to experience the rhythm of many cultures in two nights. Set to take place at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 19 and 20 of October, the theme of the festival this year is Gendang Sedunia (Drums of the World). The festival promises an extraordinary convergence of percussion traditions from across the globe, bringing together an array of drummers, percussionists, and artists in a sonic feast of cultural exchange.

Since its founding in 2009, Kaleidoscope has cemented itself as a vital meeting point for percussionists from over 13 nations. 2024’s line-up reflects the festival’s dedication to rhythmic diversity, with performances from celebrated ensembles representing China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Over a hundred performers will perform not only to entertain but inspire cross-cultural dialogue.

 

Transcending Borders, One Drum Beat At A Time

Music is universal due to its ability to convey feelings and emotions. With percussion serving as an important part of music-making, Kaleidoscope VII will be a celebration of diverse percussion-based performances and love for music.

One of the festival’s highlights will be the Chongdaoyuan Jiangzhou Drum Troupe from China, which will deliver a performance rooted in its deep national and cultural heritage. Their traditional drums are renowned for transporting listeners to a pre-Communist world, a time when the power of the drum held both ceremonial and symbolic significance.

Meanwhile, from Indonesia, the Gamelan Yuganada ensemble under the direction of the eminent composer I Wayan Sudirana is slated to offer a....... (Continue reading)

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Catch the play "HANDS INTERNATIONAL DRUMMING FESTIVAL - KALEIDOSCOPE 7 GENDANG SEDUNIA" at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur. Shows run from Oct 19 - 20, with times at 8.00 PM, 11.30 AM and 4:30 PM. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic world of Kaleidoscope 7’s Gendang Sedunia, where the evolution of drumming and percussion celebrates collaboration between cultures and instruments, bringing to life the vibrant synergy of sound and tradition. Ticket prices range from RM 88 - RM 468. Grab your tickets today