Conductor Avip Priatna, alongside the Jakarta Concert Orchestra (JCO) and Batavia Madrigal Singers (BMS), staged a remarkable performance titled “Symphony of the Archipelago” in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The concert showcased Indonesian national and regional songs reimagined in rich symphonic arrangements.
Held at the prestigious Concertgebouw—renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics—the performance marked a significant milestone in JCO and BMS’s European tour, aimed at introducing Indonesian symphonic works to international audiences.
Avip explained that choosing the Concertgebouw was a deliberate decision. Beyond its superior sound quality, the venue carries a legacy of hosting some of the world’s greatest composers and conductors.
One of the evening’s highlights was a set of nine variations on “Sepasang Mata Bola,” originally composed by Ismail Marzuki. A standout performance came from young pianist James Lai, who delivered a captivating piano concerto arrangement by Yazeed Djamin, lasting over 20 minutes and earning enthusiastic applause from approximately 1,200 attendees.
The emotional tone deepened when tenor Farman Purnama and mezzo-soprano Valentina Aman, joined by young violinist Raelene Pramana, performed “Indonesia Pusaka” accompanied by the BMS choir. The performance moved many Indonesian diaspora members in attendance.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Amrih Jinangkung, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that it was the first time an Indonesian orchestra had performed at the Concertgebouw. He hoped the concert would help Dutch audiences gain greater appreciation for Indonesia’s rich musical heritage.
In addition to traditional-inspired pieces, JCO presented original compositions such as “Rampak Melayu” by Arya Pugala Kitti and “Overture Fatahillah” by Fero Aldiansya Stefanus.
An interactive segment added a lively touch, featuring JCO flutists Meta Ariana and Marini Widyastari performing “Tokecang,” arranged by Elwin Hendrijanto, with audience participation.
Audience members responded warmly, including Indonesian diaspora attendee Anggita Abdi, who described the concert as both exciting and deeply moving.
Following their Amsterdam performance, Avip Priatna, JCO, and BMS are scheduled to continue their European tour with a concert in Basel on April 17, as part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Switzerland.
