Indonesian Children's Choir to tour U.S.

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Following the success of last year's Children of the World Choir Concert at the Jakarta International Convention Center, the Indonesian Children's Choir, directed by Aida Swenson Simanjuntak, will depart next month for a series of concerts in the United States.

"Last year's performance attracted a lot of people, and we are honored to accept this invitation from the United States," Aida said, explaining that the upcoming concert would have the support of the Indonesian Embassy in Washington and the United States- Indonesia Society (Usindo).

Some 30 children from Jakarta, Bali, Papua and Makassar, will take part in the World Harmony Tour 2003, which will make stops at several American cities, including San Francisco, Washington and New York, between June and July.

The Indonesian Children's Choir will perform at the Golden Gate International Children's Choir Festival in San Francisco from June 23 to June 28, Aida said.

In Washington, they will perform at the World Bank Auditorium on July 3, the Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art on July 8 and the National Cathedral on July 10.

"We also plan to perform for the Asia Society in New York, but we are still arranging a date for that," Aida said.

"The performances by these children as representatives of Indonesia will bring warmth and friendship to other nations, as well as letting the world know that Indonesia is rich in culture and art," the choir's chairwoman of the steering committee, Miranda S. Goeltom, said at a media conference.

In addition to the concerts to be held in the U.S., Aida is also preparing for the next Children of the World Choir Concert, which is scheduled for December 2003.

"There has been a tremendous response from other children's choirs from all parts of Indonesia wanting to participate in the next performance," she said, explaining that the original choirs from seven provinces would be extended to 13 provinces this year, bringing the total to about 45 individual choirs who will participate in the concert.

The number of choirs from foreign schools across Indonesia has also increased from the 11 schools that participated last year, Aida said.

"You can imagine how full the plenary hall will be this year, and how much work needs to be done," she said.

The Children of the World Choir Concert 2003 will again employ the talent of Eko Supriyanto to put together the choreography, and also noted director Garin Nugroho.

A total of 5,000 VCDs of the concert last year -- held on Oct. 10, 2003 -- have been distributed. About Rp 300 million in proceeds from the sale of the CD and from the concert will be donated to 30 orphanages in and around Jakarta.

"The donation will be in the form of computers, expert staff and an Internet cable connection for at least six months, which we hope will support children's development in technology and information," Aida said.