Sha Tin Town Hall | 'Arts Without Borders' Festival 2026: Hand Group's 'Copper Tales, Drum Stories'

Description

Stories told through copper, sparking a dialogue of the soul

Malaysia's top percussion ensemble 'Hand Group' and Bali's Gamelan ensemble present 'Copper Tales, Drum Stories'. The work seamlessly blends Chinese lion drums, the majestic Malaysian 20-Season Drum, and the ethereal, spiritual Gamelan music, composing a cross-border dialogue through the stark contrast of cold metal and warm drum skins.

'Gamelan' originated over a millennium ago in the courts and temples of Java and Bali, regarded as a treasure of world music. The performance features over thirty sets of the most representative Gamelan metallophones, gongs, and drum ensembles, combined with lion drums and seasonal drums, incorporating traditional Malay dance and songs to elevate classics into contemporary 'Gamelan Theatre'. The clear, elegant tones of copper and the powerful sounds of drum skins explore 'Taksu'—the Balinese concept igniting artistic passion and pointing to the sacred life of the people. The Hong Kong performance specially invites the Hong Kong Children's Choir (Youth Choir) to perform, featuring the beloved Chinese folk song 'Jasmine Flower', adapted in Gamelan style.

Escape the urban bustle and let primal music guide you back to long-lost vitality and spiritual resonance.