Singer Chrisye still appeals to the public

Singer Chrisye still appeals to the public

JAKARTA (JP): Pop singer Chrisye mesmerized hundreds of his
fans with his popular hits in his sold-out concert at the Jakarta
Convention Center in Central Jakarta on Friday evening.

Presenting songs mostly from his phenomenal 1977 soundtrack of
the noted film Badai Pasti Berlalu (The Tempest Must Be Over),
starring Christine Hakim and Slamet Rahardjo, the concert
presented Chrisye's oldies with new musical arrangement by Erwin
Gutawa.

The popularity of that album, ensured the concert was well-
anticipated by his fans and tickets were sold out two weeks
before opening, thanks to strong media promotion.

This also ensured the presence of the pervasive ticket
scalpers, trying to rake in profits. They were seen wandering
outside the concert hall prior to opening, offering tickets to
arriving fans or asking the committee's officials or journalists
if they had more tickets.

Chrisye's appeal is still strong and some who did not get
front seats, were even willing to stand throughout the concert,
getting as close as possible to the stage. Others sat on the
floor. All sang along when they heard familiar songs.

In the opening, Chrisye captured the audience' attention with
Sabda Alam (Nature's Voice) and followed it with popular oldies,
such as Gita Cinta (Love Song), Pelangi (Rainbow) and Malam
Pertama (First Night).

In the two and half an hour concert, composer Erwin Gutawa not
only highlighted the new orchestration with modern instruments,
but also put traditional, ethnic nuances in his arrangements. The
marvelous music and terrific arrangements were further enhanced
by the concert's luscious lighting.

Chrisye also gave the audience a nice surprise by performing
duets with other singers, such as soprano Aning Katamsi in
Matahari (Sun) and rocker Nicky Astria in Khayalku (My
Imagination).

He sang Semusim (Season) along with Waljinah, a singer
specializing in Javanese songs, in a "coquettish" style. The song
was originally performed with singer Berlian Hutauruk.

The audience, at home with Chrisye's poised style, were really
surprised when Pop group Gigi came on stage in a pick-up and
performed three Chrisye songs.

In Friday's concert, the second since his 1994 Konser Kita
(Solo's Concert), Chrisye engendered a unique atmosphere by
staging a poetry recital by renown poet, Taufik Ismail, and the
appearance of five religious figures, who prayed for the nation's
peace and unity.

Hundreds of candles were lit when Chrisye closed the concert
with his hit Lilin-Lilin Kecil (Little Candles). (Endi Aras)