Meet the musicians of OMBAK Gamelan Ensemble!
KEN SHORLEY (director)
An established percussionist in European, South Indian and Middle Eastern styles, Ken began his exploration of / obsession with the gamelan music of Indonesia over 15 years ago. He has received training from master musicians in Bali and Central Java, but his heart was ultimately taken by the beautiful sounds of the Sundanese gamelan degung. He credits two influential teachers in opening his ears and mind to the world of degung – Simon Cook (UK) and Ade Suparman (Bandung, West Java). In addition to his work with OMBAK, Ken is an instructor in gamelan and world drumming at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
KASTIN BRADLEY
Kastin Bradley (they/them), initially from Epekwitk (PEI) is an eclectic musician with a diverse background in musical training currently based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), NS. They attended Acadia University where they were first introduced to gamelan while completing their bachelor of music therapy. Kastin is now continuing their education at Dalhousie University but maintaining their musical roots in the Annapolis Valley through the OMBAK Gamelan Ensemble.
KATE HARBARUK
Kate is a recent graduate of Acadia University’s Music Therapy program. She is currently based in Halifax, where she is working on completing her Music Therapy internship at the Maritime Conservatory. During her time at Acadia, Kate found a passion for playing Gamelan music. She is thrilled to be a member of OMBAK!
LYDIA LANGILLE (she/they)
Lydia Langille is a composer and performer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lydia studied music composition at Acadia University, and has written for ensembles of varying style including symphony orchestra, jazz big band, gamelan, and indie math rock. Lydia plays guitar and bass and currently writes and records electronic music under the moniker ‘embedme,’ and performs in the indie rock group ‘Moonkick.’
KEEGAN FRANCIS
Keegan grew up playing ragtime piano in Truro and went on to graduate from Acadia University with a computer science degree. He now spends his time living with his family in Halifax and taking on entrepreneurial ventures. Keegan discovered Gamelan through his wife, Mrugakshee.
MRUGAKSHEE PALWE
Mrugakshee learned the eastern and western classical styles of music for the violin while growing up in India. At Acadia University, she participated in many aspects of the music program, including chamber orchestra, and Ken Shorley’s world drumming and Gamelan classes. Now a business owner in Halifax, Mrugakshee enjoys playing fiddle tunes with her husband, and playing Gamelan with OMBAK.
SAHARA JANE NASR
Sahara is a vocalist, composer and sarangi player whose multi-faceted musical world encompasses songwriting, electronic music, Persian poetry and Hindustani raga. As a member of OMBAK, Sahara primarily plays the Sundanese bamboo flute known as suling, and occasionally jumps in on gongs!
SARAH PADOVANI
A software developer by day and musician by night, Sarah is a classically trained clarinetist with a BMus in performance from Acadia University. Sarah studied under Stan Fisher for six years and focused on neoclassical chamber music. Music remains a large part of her life through personal projects and her work within the community.
ZOË STRUTT
Originally from Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Zoë moved to Nova Scotia in 2013 to study percussion at Acadia University. Graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music Performance, she returned in 2018 to complete the Certificate of Music Therapy program. Zoë has been involved with the arts throughout her time in Nova Scotia, including musically directing and choreographing many successful musicals with Edelene Theater, playing an active role as percussion and clinician director for the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, and joining multiple ensembles such as Nova Scotia’s only Women’s Ensemble, Glass Winds. Zoë is currently working as a Music Therapist throughout the Annapolis Valley with people of all ages.