RI violinists take part in Maksim's concert

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Six Indonesian violinists performed with Maksim Mrvica in his Maksim The Piano Player Live Concert 2004 concert at Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium on Tuesday, three of whom are still at music school.

Karina Budhiathalia Soerjodibroto, 19, Anggie Arifin Sasongko, 22, and Apri Mela Prawidiyanti, 22, were three of the six hand- picked violinists to accompany the Croatian pianist. The other violinists were Twilite Orchestra's Ni Gusti Ayu Ketut Kadensi, Ella Hutani, and Nazila Izzet.

"Three of the violinists were juniors, but their tone was amazing. They just lack experience," Addie MS, conductor of Indonesia's Twilite Orchestra, said.

The three girls received their musical scores about three weeks before the performance and have been coached by both Addie and Twilite Orchestra's concertmaster Oni Krisnerwinto.

"The most difficult piece to master was the Cubana because it is fast-paced and has high notes," Karina, a student from the Amadeus Music Foundation said. She has been studying the violin since she was 10 years old.

Apri -- who loved playing Tonci Huljic's Wonderland -- studied the violin at the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ), while Anggie studied at the Jakarta International Music School. They both started when they were 16 years old.

Including young Indonesian violinists in the concert was Java Musikindo's chief Adrie Subono's decision, Addie said.

"He could have chosen more experienced players, but because he hoped for regeneration, Mas Adrie went with younger, less-experienced musicians. Which was a great risk for him," Addie said.

To introduce the younger generation to the joys of classical music, artists have chosen to incorporate elements of pop culture in their performance.

"It is thanks to people like Maksim, like Vanessa Mae, who wear funky clothes and make video clips, that thousands of young people take an interest in classical music, in the piano and the violin,

"Purists may say that such artists "violate" classical music, but we must thank "crossover" musicians such as these for the next generation's interest in classical music," Addie said, adding that his 13-year-old son Kevin had renewed his interest in the piano after listening to Maksim's album.

"Imagine thousands of people learning the violin (because of Vanessa Mae), not all of them of course will follow Vanessa Mae's lead. Others could choose a more traditional approach. What's important is the spark that incites interest," he said.

At least three young violinists still believe that the foundation to all good music lies in mastering the classics.

"We need to learn the correct technique first. Maintaining quality in performance is easier when one has already grasped the classical basics," Anggie said, quickly adding that nothing good would come from taking a short cut in music training.

For that Addie MS can be thankful.