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Jakarta Post

Addie MS takes on US classics

Twilite Orchestra, led by Addie MS, performs at @america, Jakarta

Henry Belot (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sun, February 3, 2013

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Addie MS takes on US classics

Twilite Orchestra, led by Addie MS, performs at @america, Jakarta.

The perennial charmer, Addie MS, delivered a masterful rendition of US classical music at the American cultural center in Jakarta, @america.

In the classical music scene, Addie MS is a man who needs little introduction. As an award-winning musician, the composer is internationally acclaimed for several notable works, including his compositions for Suzanne Ciani’s Dream Suite that were nominated for a Grammy Award as the best new age album in 1996.

Addie is also the founder, music director and conductor of the Twilite Orchestra. Formed in 1991, the ensemble has grown from a mere 20 musicians to a full symphonic orchestra that regularly tours the globe.

At the helm of the orchestra, Addie MS is famous for breaking the stereotypical molds of classical music as exclusive or elitist. Under his direction, the orchestra performs quality music to the widest possible audience, often through intimate occasions like the performance at @america or at school performances.

“I see classical music or art music as something for the good of all people, not just for the wealthy people or intellectual people. The sad fact is that sometimes people just cast classical music as high-brow,” Addie said.

At 51 years old, Addie is the embodiment of boyish charm. He may be no longer a young man, but his performance was defined by humor, energy and flair. With a more informal audience than usual, his personality shined throughout the evening.

“I enjoy concerts where we can all enjoy music without pretension or behaving in a certain way”, he told The Jakarta Post.

In the @america mini concert on Jan. 25, Addie tipped his hat to the legacy of American classical music. The composer led his ensemble through the flowing lines of Franz Schubert’s “Fantasia in F”. It was a performance that many of Addie’s dedicated fans would recognize — restrained, precise and elegant.

But it was only a matter of time before Addie set out in search of mischief and playful banter with his audience. He hit that target with a rendition of Elma Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven” that sent @america into a giddy spin.

Departing from his usually professional demeanor, Addie was on the verge of dancing while leading his orchestra, bobbing and shaking his head with the staccato pulses of the piece with a smile from ear to ear.

“I enjoyed the interactions with the crowd and how they enjoyed the music. That was my goal. Plus, they were learning while I was learning,” Addie said.

The finale was a rendition of the Harry Potter theme song scored by American composer John Williams. The relatively young crowd seemed to be taken back to either their childhoods or directly to the halls of Hogwarts. Smiles broke across the faces of string players as they mimicked their composer.

“I didn’t expect the piece to be that difficult at first as we had only a short rehearsal time, although I was happy with the performance,” Addie said.

Once the final note was played, Addie became equal parts composer and comic. His stage provided him the opportunity to perform as a stand-up comedian as he introduced each musician with a short anecdote. It seemed the attentive hosts had a little trouble ushering the composer away from his audience.

Speaking after the performance, Addie MS told the Post that these smaller performances were important for Jakarta’s growing reputation as an international cultural hub.

“For me it’s an opportunity to popularize art music, whether it is American, Australian or Indonesian music,” he said.

In the coming months, Addie will be returning to the recording studio to work on film and video game scores. He promised, though, that there would still be many opportunities to see him and the Twilite Orchestra.

Located in a quiet corner on the third floor of Pacific Place, @america is a US State Department initiative that encourages young Indonesians to discover the culture of the US beyond greasy fast food, gasoline powered pick-ups or typical American tourists.

In coming weeks, the center will host lectures on the iconic art of the 20th century, document San Francisco’s graffiti scene and host musical groups such as Gungun and the Blues Shelter.

Not only are all events free and open to all, they present rare opportunities to experience popular artists like Addie MS in intimate settings.

The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.


 — Photos courtesy of @america

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