DENPASAR (indo.com): A traditional Balinese jegog orchestra will delight Japanese audiences when a group named "Suar Agung" from Jembrana Regency performs in the country from August 24 to September 2, 2001.

The jegog organization's head, Ketut Suwentra said that this year will be the orchestra's 35th visit to Japan since the trips started in 1985. They have been visiting the country two or three times / year on average, and this year the performances will be supplemented by jegog exhibitions and seminars.

"The Japanese are interested in this type of performance because most of the instruments are made of bamboo, with teak or sandal wood as the drum. The instruments are played in specific sequences and produce wonderful sounds, similar to other Balinese Gamelans. The instruments and performances are also visually artistic and impressive," said Ketut Suwentra.

The group is scheduled to play along with Goncici, a vocal group from North Japan. "The Jegog has never lost its appeal. As was seen in the recent Bali Arts Festival, jegog performances attract visitors, particularly Japanese," he added.