Idris surprises Yogya jazz lovers

YOGYAKARTA: Jazz lovers at the Santika Jogja Hotel were surprised on Sunday by the unexpected appearance of accomplished violist Idris Sardi at the scheduled performance of pianist Bubi Chen.

"They had just met few hours before Bubi Chen performed at the hotel where Idris Sardi was staying while in Yogyakarta with his family. They later agreed to perform together at the event," hotel public relations officer Erma Wheny Hertuti said.

Idris had initially felt unsure about joining Bubi on stage because they had not rehearsed together but later decided to go ahead with it, Wheny said.

"It turned out to be a very astonishing performance. The audience was transfixed until the performance was over," Wheny said.

Among songs performed that day included the Western standards, Fly Me to The Moon, Misty and Cant' Help Falling in Love, and ethnic songs like Es Lilin (of West Java) and Gundul-Gundul Pacul (of Central Java). --JP