About Peni

Peni Candra Rini, Ph.D

Composer, Performer, and Educator

Peni Candra Rini (b. 1983) is an Indonesian contemporary sindhen and composer whose work bridges traditional Javanese roots with modern experimental sounds. Described by the Kronos Quartet as “one of the world’s greatest singers,” she is a 2022 Aga Khan Foundation laureate. In Javanese arts, she became the first woman commissioned by the Mangkunegaran court (2023) and received the royal title Raden Nganten Tumenggung (2024).

Dedicated to cultural preservation and ecological healing, her compositions have reached global stages. Notable works include Segara Gunung, a climate-focused suite commissioned by Carnegie Hall and the Kronos Quartet (2024), and extensive world tours with Robert Wilson’s I La Galigo. Supported by Fulbright, OneBeat, and the Asian Cultural Council, she continues her artistic exploration through upcoming experimental albums on the New Amsterdam label.