Aside from the super blue blood moon seen hanging eerily in the sky above Taman Ismail Marzuki in Central Jakarta, a performance by the Jakarta Concert Orchestra in Teater Jakarta was as much a strong promise of big things to come.

Titled “Invitation to the Dance,” the two-hour concert featured a classic European symphony accompanied by soprano Isyana Sarasvati and young pianist Johnathan Kuo.

The 55 musicians who make up the Jakarta Concert Orchestra took to the stage clad in suits for the men and sparkly red jackets for the women. When conductor Avip Priatna appeared, the audience greeted him with cheers worthy of a rock star.

Dances were a recurring theme in the orchestra’s setlist, with the first performance being a powerful rendition of Manuel de Falla’s “Spanish Dance No.1,” followed by Carl Maria Von Weber’s “Invitation to the Dance,” Gabriel Faure’s “Pavane,” and Fero Aldiansya Stefanus’ “Panen Raya.”

The fifth performance featured Jonathan on piano playing Frank Listz’s “Totentanz” in a seamless flurry of fingers on keys.

The dance theme continued after the intermission with the orchestra performing Edvard Hagerup Grieg’s “Norwegian Dances.” The audience grew livelier as Isyana gracefully walked on stage to perform Leo Delibe’s “Les Filles De Cadix,” followed by an earthshattering rendition of Fruhlingsstimmen Op. 410, or “Voices of Spring.”

Isyana was a text-book diva, flicking her hair back and forth while flapping the wings of her sparkly white dress.

“Isyana is a very talented singer. She used to be my student and I chose the song, which was very good for her voice. I enjoy working with her and I am very happy about her performance,” Avip told The Jakarta Post.

The last song on the program was a run through of Camille Saint-Saen’s “Danse Bacchanale.” The audience wanted for more, though, and the standing ovation that followed was enough to coax Avip into an encore. Johannes Brahms’s “Hungarian Dance No. 5” wrapped up the the night.

Avip was more than happy that evening, saying he was very satisfied with the performance.

“I think the musicians [enjoyed] the music. The audience was very warm and friendly and spontaneous,” he said after the concert.

The display of skill and coordination by the Jakarta Concert Orchestra under his leadership is an exciting journey to watch. Established in 2002, it promises great potential for Indonesia’s classical music elite to obtain greater international status competing with the orchestras of Europe and the United States.

Aside from his success in conducting the orchestra, Avip’s experience leading the Resonanz Children’s Choir earned him much acclaim when it was named the overall winner of the 2017 Tolosa Choral Contest in Spain.

“We have been able to show the international world that Indonesia has the potential to be reckoned with through various choir competition awards,” Avip said.

Jonathan said he was happy to see people enjoying his performance. His dancing fingers that evening showed the country had a pool of young talent ready to impress international audiences.

“I think that I could do somethings better as always, but I think I did a pretty good job today; I’m pleased with myself,” he told the Post.

He expressed his intention to compete in the 2018 Cleveland International Piano Competition in Ohio, US.

“I’m auditioning for a competition in the States. I know it’s going to be very tough, but I’m going to give it a shot.”
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— The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post

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