Barbara Benary

Full biography Barbara Benary

Barbara Benary (1946-2019) was a musician, composer, and ethnomusicologist who was known for her work with the gamelan ensemble. She was one of the founding members of the Gamelan Son of Lion ensemble, along with Daniel Goode and Philip Corner. She began composing for gamelan in 1976, after being introduced to the instrument by her composer friends.

She was recognized as one of the leading composers in the minimalist style, and her work was heavily influenced by her studies in Indonesian music and culture. She frequently incorporated elements of gamelan music into her compositions, creating a unique and distinctive sound that was both innovative and true to its roots.

Barbara Benary wrote more than a hundred pieces in a variety of formats, including chamber music, orchestra, and electronic music. She also collaborated with other artists and musicians, and her work has been performed around the world.

In addition to her work as a composer, Barbara Benary was also a respected ethnomusicologist who studied the music and culture of Indonesia. She published several articles on the subject and presented lectures and workshops on Indonesian music and gamelan ensembles.

Barbara Benary passed away in 2019 after battling Parkinson's disease. Her legacy as a musician and composer continues to resonate to this day, and her contributions to the world of music will not be forgotten.