Be prepared for a night of 'Heart and Passion'

Harry Nazarudin ,  Contributor ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 05/24/2008 12:23 PM  |  Entertainment

Classical music lovers, mark your calendars -- the Nusantara Symphony Orchestra is back with a new concert titled "Heart and Passion".

The concert, which will be held on May 24, at the Balai Sarbini Hall, will be conducted by Maestro Hikotaro Yazaki, the Musical Director and Guest Principal Conductor of the Nusantara Symphony Orchestra (NSO).

Maestro Yazaki has won several awards worldwide and has had experience conducting in countries from Norwegia to Bangkok. His passionate conducting style has made him much loved by his Indonesian audience.

This time, the NSO will feature four singers: Aning Katamsi, Ndaru Darsono, Sarah Sweeting and Harland Hutabarat. Aning is renowned as one of Indonesia's best soprano.

Sarah Sweeting, who was born in England, is currently singing across Australia and Southeast Asia. Her debut as a mezzo-soprano began with her performance in Carmen at the London Opera Festival: Her mastery of Carmen's sexy mezzo-soprano parts is unquestionable.

Ndaru Darsono is a tenor with natural talent, polished by his education in church music. Harland Hutabarat, Indonesia's leading bass-baritone, proved he was just as strong as the other singers through his performance in The Telephone, which was held in Jakarta last year. Although Harland presents himself as a serious singer, he always manages to add a touch of humor.

The music of the concert reflects its title. Beethoven's Symphony no. 5 in C minor op. 67 is the "heart" and Bizet's Carmen is the "passion". Beethoven's fifth symphony, with its characteristic sophisticated melodies, is one of the most famous symphonies from Beethoven.

Through this symphony, the audience can imagine a hero subjected to obstacles and difficult times, yet persistence and able to come up as the ultimate winner in the end.

Bizet's Carmen features a similar story but in a completely different way: Bizet's overwhelming French style.

Carmen is always enjoyable as it offers a different point of view of the romantic-era of classical music. With its dynamic tempo, Carmen is about love and passion -- and what better way to say it other than the French way.

Judging from the mix of music and strong singers, Jakarta is up for another professional, entertaining show by the NSO. Classical music lovers, you shouldn't miss this one!

The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from Aquarius Mahakam (021 720 8413), Balai Sarbini (021 255 36341) and the NSO (0816 891 631). Tickets will also be available at the door.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.