The Journey Across Europe in Aula Simfonia Jakarta

On Saturday, 21st of January 2017 I attended a New Year's Concert 2017 that was held in Aula Simfonia Jakarta. The concert is held annually every beginning of the year. Like any other typical New Year's Concert, this time I was given the opportunity to enjoy the works filled with dance orchestral: waltzes and polkas. It was awesome to spend 2.5 hours enjoying the works of Saint-Saens, Schumann, Von Weber, Waldteufel, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Believe me, the movements let me emotionally travel across the western to the eastern of Europe.

The concert was conducted by Dr. Stephen Tong and performed by Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra. Furthermore, there was also a piano concerto of Schumann performed by Kevin Suherman. In the beginning of the concert we were welcomed with the duet of Kevin Suherman as pianist, and Alanna Scaramaella - who happened to be the pianist's girlfriend -  performing Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens. After that, audiences were given opportunity to explore their emotional sensitivity through the powerful and beyond beautiful Piano Concerto of Schumann in A minor, Op. 54. The melodies successfully intimated with each person loving soul although in the end of this movements we only enjoyed the melodies in different kind of swinging mood: only high finger velocity and sound.

the beautiful architectural hall

Another waltzes followed after that were Invitation to the Dance by Carl Maria von Weber and The Skater Waltz by Emile Waldteufeul. Both of that were originally western Europe waltzes that portrayed how beautifully people - a man and a woman - dance. Von Weber and Waldteufeul didn't get much of my attention since their works are not familiar and well-known to me. Little did I know that eventually the sound of both waltzes enlightening my mood for dancing and enjoy the smoothness movement of my body.

The favorite parts of this concert were the performance of Voices of Spring by Strauss and Waltz from Swan Lake Suite by Tchaikovsky. It is perhaps because both of the waltz are often performed and used in any kind of commercial movies or advertisements. After all, they were originally popular in different part of Europe which one by Strauss is Austrian, and another one is the most popular ballets from Russia. Like any other typical of waltz and ballets, both of the movements have swirling melody that echo the flowering spring and depict the sentimental transition that a soul could've perceived. 

In the end, the concert finished with two polkas of Strauss and Dance of the Tumblers from The Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov. The three movements that were performed to finish the concert filled me energy with its prolonged harmony of volume and mood. The overlapping tune of flute, strings, and trumpets turned it to be somewhat upbeat and playful. Such a perfect companion to end the happiest day of a person!

This was actually one of my finest day and moment I will always treasure. I always believe that classical music can be enjoyed in any stage of age, status, and background. I guess the idea that always associate classical music with higher social status should be combated as the society is civilized. We need to stop creating social stratification based on the taste of culture each person enjoy to the utmost.

I'm glad to know that Indonesia finally has a proper concert hall - of course the one and only self-funded hall in the world - to provide its people with the culture of music especially the classical one. Mostly, friends of mine wondered how expensive it cost to enjoy that kind of entertainment. But fortunately, Aula Simfonia Jakarta always gives the opportunity of Indonesian youngsters below the age of 21 to enjoy the concert in a special price. So, if you are a student and expect to attend the concert, you shouldn't be worried because by only purchasing it with your student id card, you can enjoy each concert with only Rp.150.000,- (of course with the 20% discount if you purchase earlier before the concert). Isn't it reasonable enough?

Above all the excitement and great opportunity I had, I am always looking forward to another chance to attend any other classical music concert before turning 21. I believe that classical music is the entertainment for all people and nations. 

Anyway, for you who seek information about Aula Simfonia Jakarta you can check their official website here to find out the upcoming events and prices. It is always updated every month so don't worry of missing it. 

the building of Aula Simfonia Jakarta

With love,

A.