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Ananda Sukarlan's take on Ismail Marzuki masterpieces
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Youthful spirit: Indonesian maestro Ananda Sukarlan joins forces with young classical musicians and singers to present a modern interpretation of Ismail Marzuki’s songs. (The Jakarta Post/Jerry Adiguna)
M
aestro Ananda Sukarlan will reinvigorate the masterpieces of one of Indonesia’s greatest composers, Ismail Marzuki, at the Jakarta New Year Concert 2019 on Jan. 13 next year.
Under the theme Millennial Marzukiana, Ananda, alongside young musicians, will present interpretations on Marzuki’s legendary songs, including “Selendang Sutra” (Silk Scarf), “Halo-Halo Bandung” (Hello Bandung) and “Indonesia Pusaka” (Great Indonesia).
Ananda joined forces with business incubator Kaya.ID to hold the 13th Jakarta New Year Concert at Ciputra Artpreneur Jakarta.
“Just like many Indonesian people, I really admire the songs created by Ismail Marzuki,” said Ananda during the press conference at Ciputra Artprenereur earlier this week.
“I really think Ismail Marzuki’s songs have the most beautiful melodies ever written by an Indonesian,” he added.
Ismail, of Betawi ethnicity, was born in Kwitang, Senen, Batavia (now Jakarta), in 1914 and died in 1958 at 44 years of age. Throughout his life, Marzuki composed at least 240 songs. Timeless and iconic, Ismail’s songs capture diverse spirits and emotions, from the softness of love to the fiery spirit of nationalism.
His notable patriotic songs, such as “Selamat Jalan Pahlawan Muda” (Goodbye, Young Hero) and “Kopral Jono” (Corporal Jono), were inspired by the people’s struggle for independence. This achievement saw him declared a national hero in 2004.
To bring out the millennial spirit in the concert, Ananda will share the stage with a handful of talented musicians under the age of 30. They include harpist Judy Sudarta, violinist Finna Kurniawati, Anthony Hartono at the piano, soprano Mariska Setiawan and tenor Aryo Widhawan.
“It’s a way for me to introduce a great Indonesian composer such as Ismail Marzuki to these young musicians. They know Mozart, they know Beethoven. They have to know Ismail Marzuki,” Ananda said.
Anthony, who is only 23 years old, won the Ananda Sukarlan Award back in 2014. The pianist, who has performed regularly alongside Ananda, is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.
The youngest of them all is 20-year-old Jessica, who began to learn the harp at the age of 11. She currently studies at the Peabody Conservatory of John Hopkins University in the United States.
Kaya.ID CEO Nita Kartikasari said she hoped the concert would put the works of both Ismail and Ananda into the international spotlight.
“I think the music of Ismail Marzuki and Ananda Sukarlan is part of Indonesia’s hidden treasure,” she said. “I really want Indonesian songs to be known and to be performed by the international public.”
Ismail’s daughter Rachmi Aziah attended the press conference to show her support.
“I am thankful that he appreciates my father’s works,” said Rachmi.
“I hope the young generation can continue appreciating my father’s music and will [bring forth] the next Ismail.”
Aside from Ismail’s classic repertoire, Ananda will also perform “Malin Kundang”, a song based on well-known West Sumatran folklore. The song will be accompanied by a narration by General Electric Indonesia CEO Handry Satriago.
The concert will also feature an operatic excerpt from Rio Haminoto’s novel Erstwhile, which centers on a love story that spans over 700 years.
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The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.
