Memorial concert a big hit in Bali

Memorial concert a big hit in Bali

The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali

Amid the majestic setting of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural
Park in Bukit Jimbaran, 30 kilometers south of Denpasar,
musicians and singers of the Twilite Orchestra enchanted
thousands of listeners, Indonesians and foreigners alike, who
attended the Bali Memorial Concert on Monday night.

A total of 14 songs reflecting love, peace and friendship were
performed during the concert, which featured a host of Indonesian
singers including Rio Febrian, Christopher Abimanyu and Linda
Sitinjak.

The audience gave a standing ovation after the group sang
Imagine and other inspirational pieces.

Famous child-singer Sherina, dressed in a white gown and with
five pink roses in her silky black hair, gave a touching
rendition of Ibu Pertiwi (Motherland), a song about a country in
mourning and her people's commitment to saving her.

One member of the audience, Martin Boriss, 46, of Germany,
told The Jakarta Post after the concert that he was very
impressed by the concert considering that those involved had only
11 days to prepare.

The concert was organized by United Care for Bali (UCFB) in
collaboration with the office of the State Minister for State-
owned Enterprises, the Bali government and the Bali Tourism
Board.

The concert was attended by Taufik Kiemas, Bali Deputy
Governor I Gusti Bagus Alit Putra, regent of Badung Tjok Ratmadi,
and noted sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, who initiated the development
of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.

At the end of the concert, Taufik Kiemas presented floral
bouquets to several individuals and groups that had displayed an
outstanding spirit of love and brotherhood during the terrible
night of the bombings and the days following them.

Haji Agus Bambang Priyanto, the Muslim leader who led the
rescue efforts, and Bagiana Karang, the chief of the traditional
guards of Pecalang in Kuta, were among those presented with
bouquets.