I have known Juan Arminandi since October 2014. In addition to his studies and obtaining a Bachelor's degree in the Department of Arts at the University of Tanjungpura, this Indonesian musician from Kalimantan Barat has been keen to develop his knowledge of the music of the ethnic groups in his culture: he lived with the elders for a long time in order to immerse himself in their instrumental playing techniques as well as mastering the making of their instruments. Alongside his excellent performing skills as a traditional musician, he has developed his art of musical composition. Starting from the traditional music of Kalimantan, he has revisited the instruments so that they meet contemporary expectations. Since then, he has continued to create music, performing with his new instruments both as a soloist and as part of instrumental groups. For several years now, he has been performing both at home and abroad (Asia, USA, Europe). His art is essentially characterised by this reinterpretation of traditional music and its projection into contemporary creativity and current events. In addition to his inventiveness, Juan Arminandi uses his art to position himself in relation to current social and environmental issues.

 

Write by  

Marlène Belly, Ethnomusicologist

Poitiers, France

2023