The tradition of composing for the left hand alone, once championed by pianist Paul Wittgenstein, is being continued by Ananda Sukarlan, ensuring that talented individuals with physical challenges have a platform to shine as artists in their own right.

In a splendid event that took place on Friday, October 20th, 2023, Ecuador and Indonesia marked another significant milestone in their relationship, and they did so through the enchanting medium of the arts.

The stage was set at The Dharmawangsa Hotel in Jakarta, where The Bimasena and the Embassy of Ecuador joined hands to organize a mesmerizing concert featuring the talented pianist and composer, Ananda Sukarlan.

Titled "History Through The Arts," this concert wasn't just about Sukarlan's solo performance. Two of his young proteges, winners of the Ananda Sukarlan Award for Classical Voice, Soprano Shelomita Amory and tenor William Prasetyo, shared the limelight. These remarkable young talents showcased their exceptional musical and artistic abilities, leaving the audience awestruck.

The centerpiece of the evening was the work of Ecuador's celebrated poet, Jorge Carrera Andrade (1903-1978), and his revolutionary short poems called "Microgramas." These concise masterpieces captured the essence of various subjects, from animals to typewriters, in a unique way. Ananda Sukarlan, the Indonesian Maestro, skillfully transformed these micrograms into beautiful musical compositions.

Hailed as "one of the world's leading pianists at the forefront of championing new piano music" by the Sydney Morning Herald, Sukarlan selected six of these fascinating micrograms for a special musical adaptation commissioned by the Ecuadorian Embassy. The tenor William Prasetyo had the privilege of delivering the world premiere, marking an important historical moment as it was the first collaboration of its kind between prominent figures from the arts in both countries.

The diplomatic relationship between Ecuador and Indonesia was officially established on April 29th, 1980, even though the Ecuador Embassy in Jakarta opened its doors in 2004.

This remarkable concert brought together ambassadors and diplomats from various Hispanic countries in Jakarta. Among the distinguished guests were diplomats from Guatemala, Spain, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Austria.

Santiago Chavez, the Ambassador of Ecuador, delivered an opening speech, emphasizing the importance of supporting cultural initiatives that promote music and poetry in Indonesia and showcase the talents of Ananda Sukarlan and the Ananda Sukarlan Award winners.

Ananda Sukarlan himself shared his perspective on history, highlighting the significance of feeling the emotions of the past rather than just memorizing facts. He believes that art plays a vital role in understanding history and preventing its repetition.

The evening also touched on the themes of slavery and human trafficking, with Sukarlan setting powerful poems to music. Phyllis Wheatley, the first black poet in history, who was enslaved in the USA, and Auw Tjoei Lan, a heroine who saved Chinese girls from being sold into slavery, were honored through musical compositions.

Sukarlan is currently working on an opera titled "Musuh si Mucikari" (Enemy of the Pimp), shedding light on the life of Auw Tjoei Lan, with plans for its premiere next year.

The audience was moved by Sukarlan's poignant settings of poems by Emily Dickinson and Federico Garcia Lorca. His dedication to creating art inspired by Indonesian folk melodies, including pieces for the left hand alone, is a testament to his commitment to inclusivity in music, allowing disabled individuals to showcase their talents.

The tradition of composing for the left hand alone, once championed by pianist Paul Wittgenstein, is being continued by Ananda Sukarlan, ensuring that talented individuals with physical challenges have a platform to shine as artists in their own right.