HMC American Gamelan is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of traditional Indonesian gamelan music. The group was founded in 1987 by composer and ethnomusicologist Jody Diamond, who was then a professor at Harvard University. Diamond had previously studied gamelan music in Indonesia and was eager to bring this unique and vibrant musical tradition to American audiences. The ensemble's name, HMC, stands for Harvard Music Consortium, which was the organization that initially sponsored the group. However, the ensemble has since become an independent entity and has performed at venues across the United States and around the world. The core members of HMC American Gamelan are a diverse group of musicians who come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Many of them have studied gamelan music extensively, both in the United States and in Indonesia, and have also performed in other classical music ensembles. Some of the key members of the group include Jody Diamond, who serves as the ensemble's artistic director and plays the gender (a type of metallophone), and Evan Ziporyn, who is a composer and performer on the clarinet and other instruments. Over the years, HMC American Gamelan has performed at a wide range of venues, from small community centers to major concert halls. The group has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists, including the Kronos Quartet, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the choreographer Bill T. Jones. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was its performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. HMC American Gamelan was invited to perform as part of the cultural program for the games, and the group's performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. The ensemble also received critical acclaim for its performance at the 1993 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City, which was a showcase for innovative and experimental music. In addition to its performances, HMC American Gamelan has also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1991, the group was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its performances and educational programs. The ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to the field of ethnomusicology, and its members have published articles and books on gamelan music and other topics. Despite its many accomplishments, HMC American Gamelan remains committed to its mission of bringing the beauty and complexity of gamelan music to audiences around the world. The ensemble continues to perform regularly and to collaborate with other musicians and artists, and it remains a vital and innovative force in the world of classical music.

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