Heidi Awuy to represent RI

Heidi Awuy to represent RI

JAKARTA: When harpists from 50 countries get together for the 8th World Harp Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, two weeks from now, Indonesia's Heidi Awuy will be there.

At the renowned event, Heidi will play two traditional compositions from Aceh and North Sulawesi, Bungong Jeumpa and O Ina Ni Keke, respectively.

"I am from North Sulawesi and the song is familiar to me and I am proud to play it in front of an international audience. And I chose the song from Aceh because I am deeply disturbed about the situation there; I hope that peace will come soon."

The triennial congress will take place between July 21 and July 28, and will include such activities as concerts, workshops and seminars concerning all aspects of harp musicology and performance.

"I hope to be able to learn new things, new methods and bring these back to Indonesia," Heidi said. She added that she plans to hold a concert when she gets back from Switzerland to demonstrate her new experiences.

Heidi, who is being sponsored by the Hotel Alila Jakarta for the event, is one of three professional harpists in Indonesia, and was appointed by the World Harp Congress as the ambassador for Indonesia in 1990. The other two Indonesian harpists are Maya Hasan and Ussy Pieters.

Past congresses have been held in Maastricht, the Netherlands; Jerusalem, Israel; Vienna, Austria; Paris-Sevres, France; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Seattle-Tacoma, U.S. -- JP