Classical music performed in cafe, at dinner time

JAKARTA (JP): In Jakarta there are many cafes offering pop music, or house music, rap, disco or even dangdut. And now, how about classical music in a cafe? Classical music buffs might frown at the idea owing to a belief that such music should be played only in a concert hall. And if this is not enough to shock them, the cafe is located in a shopping mall.

That is what Addie MS and his Twilite Orchestra have been doing for quite some time. As of last November, members of the orchestra have performed on the first and third Sunday of every month at Cafe Wien in Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta. At the beginning, they went on stage during lunch hours. Since the fasting month of Ramadhan, they have changed the schedule to evenings.

Addie, the conductor, however, warns that such a show is not for big fans of classical music. "The program is aimed at popularizing the music and the orchestra to the public," he said.

That's why they only play "light" classical music such as Hungarian Dance No. 6 by J. Brahms, Eine Klein Nacht Music by Mozart, Canon by J. Pachelbel and Redetzky March by J. Strauss and Summer of The Four Seasons by A. Vivaldi. They also play theme songs of popular plays or movies like Beauty and the Beast and Indonesian ageless songs such as Maladi's Di bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama (Under the Moonlight) and Ismail Marzuki's Jauh di Mata.

In Addie's view, even though classical music is serious, it can be fun, too.

With that philosophy, Addie will lead the 60-member Twilite Orchestra in a variety outdoor show at the Bali Hilton, Nusa Dua, on May 14. And it does not matter at all to Addie that dangdut singer Cici Faramida and child singer Joshua will perform in the same show.

Other artists to join the event include Reza, Dwiki Dharmawan, Yuni Shara, Rita Effendi, Andre Hehanusa, Agus Wisman, Ruth Sahanaya, Harvey Malaiholo, Aning Katamsi, Elfa Singers, Warna, AB Three and Memes, who is also Addie's wife.

The show is part of a three-day package tour offered by Concerto Five Plus and Buana Wisata Travel Agency.

"The focus of our performance is entertainment. I don't expect any appreciation of serious music there," he said. "I can channel my idealism on other occasions."

The classical music circle accepts his idea with caution. Prominent composer Trisutji Kamal worries that the public might have a misperception of the music, mainly because Twilite Orchestra is known as a pop orchestra.

"If he just wants to popularize the orchestra, that's fine. But for classical music, the audience needs an explanation about the repertoires and the composer," she said.

In spite of that, Trisutji praises Addie's efforts to bring classical music to a wider audience. She understands the difficulties in introducing such music to the common people. She believes that the efforts will only bear fruit if the public is also provided with adequate information about the music.

Addie himself is aware about the controversy surrounding his idea. Yet he is not discouraged. He observes that people in general, especially the MTV-influenced younger generation, are not interested in classical music. A new approach is needed to draw their attention.

"If we remain conservative, classical music will become extinct," Addie said.

And he goes further. Once in two weeks, along with 11 members of the orchestra, he visits elementary schools in the city. They perform light classical music as well as local children songs such as Burung Ketilang (The Thrush) and the theme song of popular cartoon Beauty and The Beast.

"Every time we finish the performance, the children fight with each other to get the first chance to hold the violin, the cello ... They enjoy the show very much. We always underestimate children. We say that classical music is too difficult for them," said Addie, a father of two children, Kevin, 7, and Tristan, 2.

He believes that classical music can help refine character building. Research also shows that learning classical music could improve the growth of brain cells.

Classical music is as important as traditional music and deserves adequate attention, he added.

Unlike Japan and Korea, which fully support the development of classical music, Indonesia does not seem to be interested in the subject.

"We are too arrogant. We say we have our own culture, our own music, which is adi luhung (glorious). But look what happens. Violence is everywhere ...," he said rather emotionally.

A high school graduate, Addie received no formal education in classical music. Widely known as a pop music arranger, eight years ago he was requested by businessman Indra Bakrie to set up an orchestra and perform at a party he was throwing. At first, Addie refused, but after reconsidering, he took up the offer, and the challenge, thanks to the considerable support of pop singer Oddie Agam. Twilite Orchestra was then established.

Unlike the other orchestras, such as the Nusantara Chamber Orchestra or the Jakarta Symphony Orchestra, Twilite Orchestra plays more nonclassical music.

Last year, Addie and Djaduk Ferianto collaborated to arrange the music for Opera Anoman at Teater Tanah Airku, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, played by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Addie also did the music arrangement of 10 national songs played by the Victoria Philharmonic Orchestra from Melbourne. The CD was launched late last year.

On Monday, Addie left for Malaysia to conduct the Malaysia Orchestra and accompany Malaysian pop singers in an event held on Saturday "to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sultan of Penang's leadership."

"I'm flattered. It is a good chance to broaden my experience and horizons," he said.

Asked about his agenda for a solo concert with Twilite Orchestra here, Addie said that no fixed plan had been made.

"Maybe after the elections," he said. (sim)