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Evergreen Club Gamelan is a Canadian ensemble that specializes in the performance of traditional Indonesian music. The group was founded in 1983 by composer and ethnomusicologist, Dr. John Noise Manis, who had studied gamelan music in Indonesia and wanted to bring the art form to North America. The ensemble is based in Toronto, Ontario, and is made up of a diverse group of musicians who play a variety of traditional Indonesian instruments, including metallophones, gongs, drums, and flutes. The group's name, "Evergreen," is a nod to the fact that gamelan music is a timeless art form that has been passed down through generations. Evergreen Club Gamelan's early performances were met with critical acclaim, and the group quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier gamelan ensembles in North America. In 1985, the group released their first album, "Angels and Demons at Play," which featured traditional Indonesian music as well as original compositions by Manis. Over the years, Evergreen Club Gamelan has performed at numerous festivals and events across Canada and the United States, including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. The group has also collaborated with a number of other artists and ensembles, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, and the Kronos Quartet. One of the highlights of Evergreen Club Gamelan's career was their performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The group was invited to perform at the Olympic Village, where they played traditional Indonesian music for athletes and spectators from around the world. In addition to their live performances, Evergreen Club Gamelan has also released several albums over the years, including "Trance Gong," "Sunda Song," and "Pangkur." The group's music has been praised for its intricate rhythms, haunting melodies, and unique blend of traditional Indonesian and Western musical styles. Evergreen Club Gamelan has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts' Molson Prize in 2001. The group was also nominated for a Juno Award in 1991 for their album "Angels and Demons at Play." Despite their success, Evergreen Club Gamelan remains committed to preserving and promoting traditional Indonesian music. The group continues to perform and record new music, and they have also established a gamelan music program at the University of Toronto, where they teach students about the history and techniques of this ancient art form. In conclusion, Evergreen Club Gamelan is a Canadian ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of traditional Indonesian music. Founded by Dr. John Noise Manis in 1983, the group has gained a reputation as one of the premier gamelan ensembles in North America, and has performed at numerous festivals and events across Canada and the United States. With their intricate rhythms, haunting melodies, and unique blend of traditional Indonesian and Western musical styles, Evergreen Club Gamelan has helped to introduce this timeless art form to a new generation of music lovers.

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