Nusantara Symphony Orchestra (NSO), established in 1988, stands out among a handful of Indonesian symphony orchestras. Their latest concert on May 4, 2010 featured a unique and difficult composition by Antonín Dvorák, titled Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, B. 163. Jakarta’s classical music lovers still remember how the NSO successfully brought the ethnic atmosphere in Dvorák’s piece, delivering Eastern Europe’s exotic rhythms to the main hall of Balai Sarbini Jakarta.
A rare show: Nusantara Symphony Orchestra performs Dvorák in the Balai Sarbini Jakarta on May 4, 2010. JP/Harry Nazarudin
Today, at 8 p.m., in the Balai Sarbini Jakarta, the NSO is going to present their second concert this year, a tribute to young people.
The show will consist of four works, one of them from an Indonesian composer and three international works titled Symphony No. 4 in C Minor from Henri-Joseph Riegel, Petite Suite from Claude Debussy, and Peter and the Wolf from Sergey Prokofiev.
They will also play Nyi Ronggeng, a work by Yazeed Djamin (1950–2001).
Nyi Ronggeng was created in 1988 as the composer was invited to perform at the International Music Festival in Leningrad, Russia.
The work is inspired by Ronggeng, a folk dance originating from West Java’s Karawang and Cikampek.
Ronggeng was initially a type of dance performed from place to place to entertain tired farmers at dusk.
From a form of folk art, the dance morphed into a more erotic performance, with dancers often flirting with the audience.
Yazeed Djamin’s unique work portrays the tragedy of Ronggeng dancers, who are often hailed for their beauty but become victims of their success, unable to handle fame.
The NSO has also invited a guest conductor for this performance, Michael Cousteau, who studied in France and in Austria with Jean-Sebastian Bureau, Julius Kalmar and Karl Oesterreicher.
His portfolio is impressive, having conducted performances from the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra and Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.
When conducting a master class in Indonesia several years ago, he showed his compassionate style.
His live performance with the Nusantara Symphony Orchestra, is an opportunity not to be missed.
Tickets are on sale at the NSO (HP: 0816891631, phone
[021] 7392919), and can also be
purchased at the venue tonight.
