Sharmini Ratnasingam, Rhythm In Bronze pioneer, gamelan advocate, dies at 61
Sharmini Ratnasingam, a founding member of the contemporary gamelan ensemble Rhythm In Bronze and a significant figure in Malaysia's performing arts, has died at 61 after a battle with cancer. She was instrumental in shaping the modern gamelan landscape in Malaysia, having been introduced to the instrument during her nearly three-decade career with the Malaysia Airlines corporate orchestra.
Why it matters
Her passing marks the loss of a key figure in Malaysian contemporary music and gamelan, highlighting her lasting impact on the cultural landscape and the ensemble she helped establish.
Sharmini Ratnasingam, the award-winning musician, executive producer and founding member of contemporary gamelan ensemble Rhythm In Bronze, died on Wednesday (July 15). She was 61. She had been diagnosed with cancer.
Born in Kuala Lumpur, Sharmini developed an early affinity for music, beginning with piano before taking up the trombone in her school band. She became SMK Assunta’s first trombonist, an early achievement in a musical journey that would eventually lead her to gamelan and see her play a significant role in shaping Malaysia’s contemporary performing arts landscape.
As a professional musician, Sharmini spent nearly three decades with the Malaysia Airlines corporate orchestra, where she was first introduced to gamelan. What began as a chance encounter with the traditional percussion instrument grew into the defining artistic pursuit of her life.
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