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Sundanese, French musical powers meet in orchestral concert
"Le Concert Impromptu Meets Simpay Panaratas" event marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia.
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Traditional Sundanese group Simpay Panaratas performs at the DL Bach Recital Hall in North Jakarta on Saturday. (JP/Madison Bogisch)
T
o commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia, the two countries combined musical powers to present "Le Concert Impromptu Meets Simpay Panaratas" at the DL Bach Recital Hall in North Jakarta on Saturday.
Indonesian composer Dedy Hernawan led the Simpay Panaratas ensemble in an entertaining way. The Sundanese ensemble from West Java consisted of Devi Anggitaningrum on gamelan and tarawangsa (traditional Sundanese string instrument), Bunga Dessri Nur Ghaliyah on fiddle with Sundanese spades, Julaeha on drums and kecapi (zither), Dikdik Pebriansyah on trumpet and bamboo flute and Yossef Fadhilah on tarawangsa.
Having performed internationally since 1991, Le Concert Impromtu has been recognized as one of France’s most reputable wind-instrument ensembles. The quintet, established with the intention of preserving French classical music, comprises Pierre Baffus on bassoon, Jean-Christophe Murer on clarinet, Violaine Dufes on oboe, Antonin Bonnal on horn and Yves Charpentier on flute.
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Local and international guests were presented with an eclectic arrangement of music, a combination of the historic, distinct sounds of the French and the culturally rich and exciting compositions of the Indonesians.
Some 14 songs were played by the cross opera, as the two musical powerhouses took turns in presenting parts of their musical heritage. At times, it could feel as if the two were in a power struggle, fighting for the audience's attention. Despite this, the final collaboration brought the two together harmoniously and enthused the audience as “Danse des Sauvages” and “Sabilulungan” were played, a perfect representation of the relationship between France and Indonesia today. (wng)
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Madison Bogisch traveled to Indonesia under a program with ACICIS Study Indonesia.
