Black Pencil is an ensemble known for its unique instrumentation of recorder, pan flute, viola, accordion, and percussion. Together with Kyai Fatahillah, they perform the concert piece Topeng Masquerade, where the focus is on the traditional Indonesian dance form known as topeng (‘mask’), which portrays myths and legends.

The ceremonial nature of Indonesian culture and the topeng masks provide rich inspiration for curious composers who are eager to push boundaries. The performance alternates between original works and traditional topeng pieces, with musicians employing new techniques with respect and imagination.

Roderik de Man, born in Indonesia, is highly familiar with this musical language and has previously composed for Black Pencil. Composer and artistic leader Iwan Gunawan constantly seeks new playing techniques and composition methods for the gamelan, incorporating electronics into his works.

Program:

• Roderik de Man (1941): Buffoni (2013) | Black Pencil
• Interlude I: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil
• Iwan Gunawan (1974): Meeting in the Kitchen (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil
• Interlude II: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil
• Nursalim Yadi Anugerah (1991): Hogespanning (2022) | Black Pencil
• Iwan Gunawan (1974): Minutes (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil
• Interlude III: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah
• Roderik de Man (1941): Topeng (2022) | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil
• Bok Bang: Topeng Traditional | Kyai Fatahillah & Black Pencil

Black Pencil:

• Jorge Isaac – Recorder
• Matthijs Koene – Pan Flute
• Esra Pehlivanli – Viola
• Marko Kassl – Accordion
• Enric Montfort – Percussion