Indonesia’s rich tapestry of musical traditions, deeply interwoven with the percussive arts, stands poised to ascend as a beacon of percussion development across Asia and potentially the globe. However, this immense potential has, until recently, remained largely untapped. In a significant stride towards realizing this vision, the Yayasan Musik Amadeus Indonesia (YMAI) has launched a groundbreaking initiative, culminating in the landmark "Kenopsia" percussion concert. This event marks the first-ever fully percussion-focused concert in the 30-year history of the foundation and features the esteemed Amadeus Percussion Ensemble (Ampere) alongside acclaimed Austrian percussionist Adi Schober.
The "Kenopsia" concert, held at the GoetheHaus in Jakarta, represents the zenith of YMAI’s broader efforts to invigorate the Indonesian percussion scene. Prior to the concert, the foundation orchestrated the Indonesia Percussion Composition Competition (IPECC) and the Indonesia Percussion Meeting (IPM). These preceding events served as crucial platforms for nurturing new talent, fostering dialogue, and showcasing innovative compositions within the percussion community. The concert itself further etched its name in history by presenting the world premieres of the winning pieces from the IPECC, offering a glimpse into the future of Indonesian percussion composition.
A Symphony of Rhythms: The "Kenopsia" Concert Program
The "Kenopsia" concert program was meticulously curated to showcase a diverse range of contemporary and established percussion repertoire. The first half commenced with "Novena" by James Swearingen, skillfully arranged by I Nyoman Trieswra Minartha, setting a dynamic and engaging tone. This was followed by the eagerly anticipated world premieres of the IPECC winners. The audience was treated to "Dialektika, Dualitas, Kontradiksi" by Arya Pugala Kitti and Lucy Freia, a piece that likely explored complex rhythmic and thematic interplay. "Restrained" by Andre offered a contrasting sonic landscape, while "March 16th" by Jeremia Saputra presented a more structured and possibly militaristic feel. The title piece, "Kenopsia" by Regina Budiyanto Sutisno, promised to be a highlight, its title suggesting an exploration of the eerie, melancholic atmosphere of a place that is usually bustling but is now empty.
The second half of the concert shifted gears, embracing a more global and eclectic selection. The program included the vibrant "Blue Samba" by Murray Houllif, a staple in the percussion ensemble repertoire. A solo performance by Adi Schober, titled "Solo," offered a personal artistic statement from the renowned Austrian musician. The iconic "The Music of James Bond" by James Bocook, arranged by I Nyoman Trieswara Minartha, brought a touch of cinematic flair and popular appeal. "Mambo Africano" by Alice Gomez and Marily Rife injected infectious energy and Afro-Latin rhythms, while the grand finale was "Suite for Solo Drumset and Percussion Ensemble" by David Mancini, featuring Adi Schober as the soloist, showcasing the virtuosic capabilities of both the drumset and the ensemble.
The Amadeus Legacy: Nurturing Musical Excellence for Three Decades
The Yayasan Musik Amadeus Indonesia (YMAI), under the visionary leadership of Grace Soedargo, has been a cornerstone of music education in Indonesia since its inception. Founded in 1992, the foundation established the Sekolah Musik Amadeus (SMA), which has since nurtured thousands of students across a wide spectrum of ages, starting from as young as two years old. This commitment to early musical development underscores YMAI’s belief in the transformative power of music from a formative stage.
Currently, SMA boasts over 200 students actively engaged in learning a variety of instruments, including piano, strings, woodwinds, and crucially, percussion. With a dedicated faculty of 25 teachers, SMA remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate classical music appreciation and practice within Indonesia. This educational mission extends beyond the confines of the classroom, actively promoting collaborative musical experiences through various student orchestras and ensembles. A significant distinction of SMA is its unique affiliation with the Johann Sebastian Bach Musikschule (JSBM) in Vienna, Austria, making it the sole music school in Southeast Asia to hold such a prestigious international connection. This partnership facilitates an exchange of pedagogical approaches and artistic standards, enriching the educational experience for its students.
Fostering a World-Class Percussion Ecosystem
Grace Soedargo articulated the overarching ambition behind YMAI’s recent endeavors. "By organizing IPECC, IPM, and the Kenopsia concert, Amadeus aims to make a breakthrough in percussion music in Indonesia," she stated. Her vision extends beyond mere performance; she hopes to inspire Indonesian percussionists to elevate their craft and strive for global standards of excellence. This sentiment highlights a strategic approach to talent development, recognizing that fostering a robust ecosystem requires competition, discourse, and high-caliber performance opportunities.
The Indonesia Percussion Composition Competition (IPECC), for instance, serves as a crucial incubator for new musical ideas and compositional talent. By encouraging original works, YMAI directly contributes to the expansion of the percussion repertoire, particularly within the Indonesian context. The Indonesia Percussion Meeting (IPM) likely provided a vital forum for exchange among percussionists, educators, and enthusiasts, facilitating knowledge sharing, masterclasses, and discussions on pedagogical approaches and performance practices.
Adi Schober: A Global Ambassador for Percussion
The presence of Adi Schober at the "Kenopsia" concert and his role as a soloist underscore YMAI’s commitment to international collaboration and exposure. Born in 1967 in Holabrunn, Austria, Schober’s musical journey began at the tender age of five, demonstrating an early and profound connection with music. His multifaceted training encompassed percussion, piano, organ, and trumpet, providing him with a comprehensive musical foundation.
Schober’s formal percussion studies were undertaken at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien under the tutelage of Prof. Horst Berger. He further honed his skills in drumset and percussion with Prof. Fritz Ozmec, and delved into jazz percussion at the Konservatorium der Stadt Wien under Prof. Walter Grassmann. His dedication to the art of teaching is evident in his studies of percussion pedagogy with Prof. Kurt Prihoda.
His extensive career has seen him teach across Austria, establish the "Adi Schober Quintett," perform with orchestras and big bands, and serve as a musical director for various festivals. Notably, since 2009, Schober has been actively involved in developing rhythm therapy for individuals with mental health challenges, collaborating with Dr. Kurt Sindermann and Dr. Barbara Schaffer. This therapeutic application of rhythm speaks to the profound and often overlooked healing power of music. His private recording studio serves as a creative hub for his improvisational works and is utilized by prominent entities such as the "Internationale Ignaz J Pleyel Gesellschaft," "Gramola," and "Apollon," further cementing his standing in the international music community.
Amadeus Percussion Ensemble (Ampere): A New Generation Takes Center Stage
The formation of the Amadeus Percussion Ensemble (Ampere) in August 2017 was a direct response to the growing need for a dedicated percussion ensemble within the Amadeus structure. Coinciding with the silver jubilee celebrations of YMAI and SMA, Ampere’s establishment followed the creation of the percussion department at Sekolah Musik Amadeus in the same year. Led by Ryan Saputro as its head, the ensemble’s primary objective is to cultivate percussionists capable of achieving international standards.
The ensemble’s active participation in events like "Kenopsia" provides invaluable performance experience, allowing young musicians to hone their skills in high-pressure environments and learn from seasoned professionals like Adi Schober. The ensemble’s repertoire, as demonstrated in the "Kenopsia" concert, reflects a commitment to both classical and contemporary percussion literature, as well as exploring global influences.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The "Kenopsia" concert and its accompanying initiatives by YMAI represent a significant turning point for percussion in Indonesia. By actively investing in composition, performance, and international collaboration, YMAI is not only elevating the status of percussion but also fostering a new generation of skilled artists and educators.
The success of "Kenopsia" is likely to inspire other institutions and individuals to explore and develop percussion music in Indonesia. The increased visibility and recognition generated by such events can lead to greater opportunities for Indonesian percussionists, including international tours, collaborations, and recordings. Furthermore, the emphasis on original compositions by Indonesian artists contributes to the development of a distinct national percussion identity, enriching the global musical landscape.
The partnership with Austrian musicians and institutions, like the Johann Sebastian Bach Musikschule, provides a crucial bridge for cultural exchange and knowledge transfer. This international exposure is vital for Indonesian artists to benchmark their skills against global standards and to gain insights into diverse pedagogical and performance methodologies.
Looking ahead, the momentum generated by YMAI’s efforts suggests a promising future for percussion in Indonesia. Continued support for initiatives like IPECC and IPM, coupled with more opportunities for international collaboration, will be instrumental in solidifying Indonesia’s position as a significant player in the global percussion arena. The "Kenopsia" concert has not just been a performance; it has been a powerful statement of intent, signaling a new era of innovation, excellence, and global engagement for Indonesian percussion. The echoes of its success are expected to resonate for years to come, inspiring countless aspiring musicians and shaping the future of percussion music in the archipelago and beyond.
