About LOU

A gamelan group based in Fukuoka, Japan. The group mainly plays gamelan degung from the Sunda (West Java) region of Indonesia. In addition to the original local repertoire, the group also works on contemporary pieces and Japanese folk music. The group currently has about 10 members.

History

In 2013, composer Mamoru Fujieda imported a full set of gamelan degung while working at Kyushu University. These instruments were originally intended for use in gamelan workshops led by Yukitoshi Morishige (Paraguna Group), which were held every winter. However, since the instruments were available, Fujieda’s students, with support from Morishige, began organizing open gamelan practice sessions for both university members and the wider community. This marked the beginning of LOU’s activities.

Over time, the group gradually established a stable membership, and by around 2016, it began performing as an ensemble. The group’s name, “LOU,” was chosen by Mamoru Fujieda at that time, inspired by the American composer Lou Harrison, who is well known for his gamelan compositions. Today, although Fujieda has retired from the university and the group no longer has direct ties to it, LOU continues its activities in a flexible manner, adapting to changes in instruments and practice locations.

Performance video

Lou Harrison: La Koro Sutro (LOU arranged version)