‘I can be wacky on occasion’

Conductor Addie MS has remained true to his first love – classical music – as demonstrated by his Twilite Orchestra’s recent performance of Cantabile 2. Nevertheless, he also displayed his more humorous and ironic side this year as one of the judges on a popular TV talent contest. The 51-year-old, who has two sons with his wife, singer Memes, says communication is key in being a conductor, and he now also expresses his ideas through Twitter at @addiems. “I really enjoy the casual chats there,” he says.

As a child I was …

Introverted and too shy to play the piano, although my mother insisted every time when we gathered with our big family. I was really a solitary person who enjoyed being alone.

I would tell the younger me …

To be more cheerful and be yourself.

My best trait …

I learn hard and work hard. Play hard, too...

And worst …

Too much of a perfectionist. Sometimes I’m burdened with too many things that somebody else could actually do, so I could enjoy my life more.

What music means to me …

It’s my blood and my breath.

My proudest moment …

When Twilite Orchestra performed before a full-house audience at the Sydney Opera House in 2009. It was the first time an Indonesian symphonic orchestra had performed in that iconic venue. I’m also proud to have had the opportunity to produce and record the only album featuring the Indonesian anthem and patriotic songs. It is now played at every national event.

Most important decision of my life …

When I decided to be a musician, right after I finished high school back in the early 1980s. It was quite a bizarre decision at that time, when almost every parent wanted their children to pursue careers as civil servants, doctors, architects, etc.

My biggest frustration …

Jakarta traffic and corruption. I tweet a lot about corruption. I think we all need to be more concerned and speak out against this worsening problem in our beloved country.

I wish I could …

Manage my schedule better, so I could have more leisure time to enjoy life.

People would be surprised to know about me …

That actually I’m not as serious and quiet as I seem. When I’m at home, I can be very funny, at least for my family, with my jokes and gestures. Most of the time I’m rather conservative, but on some occasions I can be wacky. I even won the prize for best costume at a party 15 years ago when I came dressed as Edward Scissorhands. The prize was two tickets to Hollywood, and Memes won the prize for best female costume as Cleopatra, so we got four tickets for the family.

My guilty pleasure …

Spending a lot on cigars.

The loves of my life …

Memes, Kevin, Tristan, my beloved parents.

The best piece of advice someone gave me …

Try not to be a man of success, but rather try to be a man of value. Einstein said that.

I’m bored by …

Talking with high and mighty people.

My biggest regret is …

Nothing. I learn from my mistakes and I try to embrace the consequences of them.

I want to change about the world by …

Bringing back the normal climate. Stopping global warming.

I laugh at …

Everything, at the appropriate time.

And am saddened by …

Our lawmakers.

Religion has taught me …

That we have responsibility to God and all mankind as well.

My favorite place in the world is…

New York. I love its balance between buildings and gardens, classic and modern, commercial and art, the melting-pot scene. In a nutshell, the vibe of the city.

The taste that always reminds me of Indonesia …

Fried rice. It’s available in almost every Indonesian restaurant.

I wish I could have met …

Leonard Bernstein. He’s just awesome! A good conductor, pianist, composer, educator with lots of passion to share the beauty of music with young generation. He’s inspired me since the early years of my conducting career.

I want for Indonesia …

More art and humanity in education. And to have an honest, firm, bold and brave leader who can lead the nation with more action. More courage to decide.

Getting older has taught me …

I love George Burns’ quote, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” When it comes to age, I don’t care about the number. I just have to make my life better and better, for me and for others. In every way.

The unforgiveable is …

Nothing. God knows …

Remember me as …

A man who served his country with music. 

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