Medan, North Sumatra - With current Indonesian music venues and stages mostly dominated by similar forms of pop culture, whether Indonesian or Western, it is always a pleasant surprise to have a traditional form of music performed live by one of the country’s best-known tribes.
Mixing different music genres in a contemporary concept, the Batak Music for the World foundation has organized “Batak Music in Harmony,” an event scheduled for Thursday, which aims to remind Indonesian listeners about their rich traditional music.
Batak is a collective term used to describe an indigenous people, language and culture found in the northern part of Sumatra Island.
The Batak, one of hundreds of Indonesian tribes, are easily recognized from such family names as Siregar, Siahaan and Sembiring, and are often described as firm and expressive.
“We want Indonesians to be proud of their own cultures, and expats to know more about Indonesian music,” said Indra Jaya Sihombing, the event organizer and creator of the foundation.
“Indonesian traditional music is fighting for existence these days. It is usually only performed and consumed in their local areas,” he said.
“Even Batak young generations who are born and raised in Jakarta are not familiar with their own music these days.”
Batak are well-known for their ability to play the guitar and sing, not just in cultural ceremonies but also in public performances.
“The capability to sing and play various kinds of instruments is in our bloodline, that is why it’s a shame if the music is only played locally,” Indra said. “We want the world to know what Batak music is, just like they recognize Latin music.”
Indra is optimistic that this is already beginning to happen, adding that Batak singers have been taking their music to the world since the 1960s.
The specific rhythm of Batak music, called tor-tor, comes from a group of traditional musical instruments consisting of gongs, zithers and flutes.
On Thursday, they feature alongside more modern instruments and performances by international artists, including Mauro Goia, a keyboard player from Italy. “I have toured around the world and come across various kinds of traditional music, and I have been fascinated with Batak music since I was introduced to it six years ago,” Goia said at a press conference after performing a classic piece with singer Mega Sihombing.
“I am amazed by it’s rhythm, vitality and melody. Music is a universal language and it’s just fascinating when you combine a European style of music with a traditional kind like Batak,” he said.
The three hour–long concert will include Batak music of various kinds, ranging from the more classic styles to jazz.
Prominent musicians, such as Idang Rasjidi, one of Indonesia’s jazz legends, will accompany a young generation of Batak singers, including Mega Sihombing and Lea Simanjuntak.
“To all music lovers out there, we welcome you all,” Indra said.
“Please come to enjoy a concert that you might not even imagine before and be surprised.”
Concert Details
What
“Batak Music in Harmony”: A Contemporary Batak Music Concert
When
Thursday, Feb. 12, starts at 7 p.m.
Where
The Sanctuary Function Hall, Menara Kuningan UNIT F3, Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Blok X-7 Kav.5, South Jakarta
Who's performing?
Musicians: Idang Rasjidi, Harry Anggoman, Mauro Goia [Italian keyboardist], Yeppy “Romero” Pangaribuan, Korem Sihombing, Tribiswara A’capella
Singers: Victor Hutabarat, Jack Marpaung, Mega Sihombing, Lea Simanjuntak, Dewi Marpaung, Tongam Sirait.
Tickets
VIP = Rp 850,000 ($73)
Regular = Between Rp 150,000 and
Rp 500,000
Contact
Brief Communications: Tel 021 799 0180
DetikCom: Tel 021 794 1177
Source: TheJakartaGlobe.com
Mixing different music genres in a contemporary concept, the Batak Music for the World foundation has organized “Batak Music in Harmony,” an event scheduled for Thursday, which aims to remind Indonesian listeners about their rich traditional music.
Batak is a collective term used to describe an indigenous people, language and culture found in the northern part of Sumatra Island.
The Batak, one of hundreds of Indonesian tribes, are easily recognized from such family names as Siregar, Siahaan and Sembiring, and are often described as firm and expressive.
“We want Indonesians to be proud of their own cultures, and expats to know more about Indonesian music,” said Indra Jaya Sihombing, the event organizer and creator of the foundation.
“Indonesian traditional music is fighting for existence these days. It is usually only performed and consumed in their local areas,” he said.
“Even Batak young generations who are born and raised in Jakarta are not familiar with their own music these days.”
Batak are well-known for their ability to play the guitar and sing, not just in cultural ceremonies but also in public performances.
“The capability to sing and play various kinds of instruments is in our bloodline, that is why it’s a shame if the music is only played locally,” Indra said. “We want the world to know what Batak music is, just like they recognize Latin music.”
Indra is optimistic that this is already beginning to happen, adding that Batak singers have been taking their music to the world since the 1960s.
The specific rhythm of Batak music, called tor-tor, comes from a group of traditional musical instruments consisting of gongs, zithers and flutes.
On Thursday, they feature alongside more modern instruments and performances by international artists, including Mauro Goia, a keyboard player from Italy. “I have toured around the world and come across various kinds of traditional music, and I have been fascinated with Batak music since I was introduced to it six years ago,” Goia said at a press conference after performing a classic piece with singer Mega Sihombing.
“I am amazed by it’s rhythm, vitality and melody. Music is a universal language and it’s just fascinating when you combine a European style of music with a traditional kind like Batak,” he said.
The three hour–long concert will include Batak music of various kinds, ranging from the more classic styles to jazz.
Prominent musicians, such as Idang Rasjidi, one of Indonesia’s jazz legends, will accompany a young generation of Batak singers, including Mega Sihombing and Lea Simanjuntak.
“To all music lovers out there, we welcome you all,” Indra said.
“Please come to enjoy a concert that you might not even imagine before and be surprised.”
Concert Details
What
“Batak Music in Harmony”: A Contemporary Batak Music Concert
When
Thursday, Feb. 12, starts at 7 p.m.
Where
The Sanctuary Function Hall, Menara Kuningan UNIT F3, Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Blok X-7 Kav.5, South Jakarta
Who's performing?
Musicians: Idang Rasjidi, Harry Anggoman, Mauro Goia [Italian keyboardist], Yeppy “Romero” Pangaribuan, Korem Sihombing, Tribiswara A’capella
Singers: Victor Hutabarat, Jack Marpaung, Mega Sihombing, Lea Simanjuntak, Dewi Marpaung, Tongam Sirait.
Tickets
VIP = Rp 850,000 ($73)
Regular = Between Rp 150,000 and
Rp 500,000
Contact
Brief Communications: Tel 021 799 0180
DetikCom: Tel 021 794 1177
Source: TheJakartaGlobe.com
