Bilawa Respati

Bilawa Ade Respati is an Indonesian musician and artist based in Berlin. He performs on the Javanese Gamelan and the guitar, composing music for both instruments. Recently, he has also started experimenting with electronic music and algorithmic music composition.

Formally trained in Engineering Physics, he specializes in acoustic signal processing and music information retrieval, with a focus on the analysis of Javanese gamelan music. Parallel to his formal training as an engineer, he has also studied classical guitar, Javanese gamelan, and music composition from various teachers as well as autodidactically.

In his works, Respati takes a syncretic approach drawing from his various backgrounds: from engineering to performing art, from European music tradition to the art of Javanese Karawitan. His current artistic interest lies in the dialectic between tradition and innovation, as well as the re-evaluation of traditions in contemporary life.

Respati has performed the gamelan both in classical and contemporary styles, with ensembles Arum Sih (Überseemuseum Bremen), Sekar Kenanga (Elbphilharmonie Hamburg), and Lindhu Raras (Haus der Indonesischen Kulturen, Berlin).

He collaborates on dance productions with rubarb dance & art, under the direction of the choreographer Ruben Reniers. Other collaborations include Berlin’s Indonesian art collective Soydivision, and the guitar + electronics duo OKNUM (with Ariel Orah).