Willkommen beim Goethe-Institut in Sri Lanka

Baliphonics presents the music of the low-country bali ritual tradition of Sri Lanka in a sublime collaboration with contemporary jazz and improvisation. Founded by jazz drummer Sumudi Suraweera, the ensemble consists of two experienced traditional musicians from the lineage of Raigam korela (Susantha and Prasantha Rupathilaka) on voice, concert pianist and composer (Eshantha Peiris) on violin and bassist and sonic artist (Isaac Smith) on double bass.

The ensemble, initiated in 2008, was inspired by Suraweera’s long standing research on the tradition of low-country ritual drumming and music. His adaptation of the low-country drumming language on to a hybrid Western-Sri Lankan drum set in this group, opens up the possibility of transforming this age old drumming tradition onto a global contemporary stage.

The raw, original chanting, singing and gestures made by the Rupathilaka siblings communicate the immense intensity and power of ritual music. The experimental sounds and sonic textures provided by Smith and Peiris illustrate the high level of musical dialogue and interaction between the two musical cultures. Experience the Baliphonics, witness the traditional boundaries being pushed, and transcend yourself into the spirit of the ritual!