An enchanting night where young maestros lit up the stage, blending passion, artistry, and vision for a harmonious tomorrow

The refined ambiance of Grha Bimasena at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta came alive with warmth and sophistication during a memorable evening titled Bimasena Classical Soirée: Classical Music Stars of Tomorrow. This event became a highlight on the city's cultural calendar, not only for the beauty of the performances but also for its strong message of renewal and inclusivity.

Organized by Bimasena, the concert is part of its arts and culture initiative that supports the growth of young Indonesian musicians. For this special edition, Bimasena partnered with celebrated pianist and composer Ananda Sukarlan, who was recently appointed as a member of the Bimasena Board of Social, responsible for the pillar of Art, Culture, and Inclusivity. Ananda's commitment to nurturing an inclusive artistic community was evident throughout the evening.

The program featured winners of the 2025 Ananda Sukarlan Award, a respected competition in the classical music field. The performers who impressed the audience included Andreas on violin, baritone Wirawan Cuanda, and Michael Anthony Kwok, a young pianist who is blind and autistic and took home the top prize. Michael’s interpretation of two “Rapsodia Nusantara” compositions, numbers 31 and 19, received a standing ovation and was praised by Ananda Sukarlan as the work of a genius.

Also performing was German oboist Eric van Reenen, who collaborated with Ananda on two piano and oboe pieces inspired by literature and visual art. These included “Dawn,” drawn from a poem by Emily Dickinson, and “Echo’s Whisper,” based on a painting by John William Waterhouse. Eric also served as one of the judges for the 2025 competition, adding international depth to the event.

The evening served not only as a celebration of young talent but also as an intergenerational reunion. Past awardees such as Inge Buniardi, Dr. Edith Widayani, Randy Ryan, and Joshua Victor were present to hand over the rotating trophy to this year’s winners. This symbolic moment reflected continuity and shared purpose within Indonesia’s classical music community.

Attendees included prominent figures from both the arts and diplomatic circles, among them Theresa Loidl, wife of the Austrian Ambassador, Yuliia Mykulych, Second Secretary of Ukraine, Vincent Degoul from the Institut Français d’Indonésie, and Malaysian visual artist Thean Chie Chan. The evening gained added depth through Ananda’s musical compositions, which told the stories of poets imprisoned during the New Order period. These pieces were performed with deep emotion by Wirawan Cuanda and Ananda Sukarlan.

In his remarks, Ananda highlighted the role of venues like Bimasena in introducing emerging talents to audiences who appreciate excellence. Bimasena’s Director of Membership, Shahnaz Anindya, also emphasized how programs like this enrich members emotionally, intellectually, and culturally.

The Classical Music Stars of Tomorrow concert was more than a performance. It was a meaningful expression of Bimasena and Ananda Sukarlan’s dedication to building an inclusive, inspiring, and forward-looking classical music landscape in Indonesia.

 

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