He’s not a rock star but his devoted fans worship Berlin-born violinist Iskandar Widjaja just like one.

The accomplished soloist says he feels the love but is fully aware his fans are simply projecting their ideals, wishes and dreams onto him. Iskandar is keen on keeping himself grounded and modest.

Still, his popularity in scratching the “little piece of wood“ as he puts it, something that glues him for three to seven hours of practice each day, has landed him modelling, acting and even singing jobs — something that he found amusing.

Issi, as the 25-year-old award-winning violinist is called, aimed higher, expecting to create a buzz for classical music in Indonesia, a country close to his heart. His mother is a Chinese-Indonesian while his father is an Indonesian of Arabian and Dutch background.

“I do notice that there is a huge gap for high quality music here, which has survived over centuries for a good reason: its quality.

To present it in an old fashioned way doesn’t help. People need a figure they can relate to. I am more than happy to be that figure in order to serve my art.

I have no objection against pop. I play it from time to time and listen to it a great deal. Yet, I feel at home with the classics, I find it fascinating to study a piece of music that is larger than life, where some human being has put a whole world of thoughts into it. I want to go deeper into the material, and not just consume a package of ‘3 minutes of emotion’ quickly. This is what classical music can give you.

My other instrument would be my voice. I love to sing on the streets, in the subway — not in the shower. I think the voice is an instant connection to your soul. I am a great fan of Beyonce Knowles. Best thing I never had runs constantly on my MP3 player.

I appreciate everything high quality, challenging me at the same time. I can play piano, as I used to have a wonderful Vietnamese piano teacher, who was about one meter tall but full of energy, like an Asian gnome, singing ‘rarara’ instead of ‘lalala’.

For my me time, I meditate, go to the sauna or get a good massage. Just hanging out with friends and acting childish can be fun too. Sometimes I like to laugh about stupid things that make no sense over and over. Madness is part of a musician too. I also go to the gym a great deal. Recently, I tried courses like Zumba or circle training. But after all that Indonesian cake I ate the last time I was in Jakarta, my six-pack vanished and needs to be reestablished.

I need somewhat more trashy entertainment in leasure time. Thus, I love to watch sitcoms, like True Blood or Glee. In fact, I admit I am addicted to True Blood.

The thing I miss most about Indonesia is the climate and people’s openness. Germany is freezing at the moment, which is why I spend most of the day practicing at home.

In Indonesia, there are constant temptations, trying to get me off my violin: kue onde-onde [sticky rice-flour balls filled with beans], bika ambon and that greenish cake stuffed with palm sugar, which I can’t name.

My favorite place [in Indonesia] so far would be Bali, not only because of the location, but also because of the people I got to know there. Whenever I am in Indonesia, I try to hop over to Bali for a weekend or so. There is this magical relaxation energy floating through the Balinese atmosphere, which makes everybody so holiday-like. In fact, I want my concerts to get such a holiday–like feeling.”

— As told to Stevie Emilia

Iskandar will play a solo recital of baroque music on Nov. 12 at Yogyakarta’s Tembi, with songs from his new album Bach ‘n’ Blues; give a public masterclass at the Titan Center Jakarta in Bintaro, South Jakarta, on Nov. 18; and perform as the soloist for Beethoven‘s Violin Concerto at Aula Simfonia Jakarta in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on Nov. 20.

Popular

Is Indonesia really ready to embrace dual citizenship?

Tens of thousands seek better lives in Jakarta. But is the city losing its draw?

Elon Musk's Starlink granted licences to operate in Indonesia