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.