Concerts in Jakarta

There is an Indonesian saying that says "Sambil menyelam minum air," a free translation of which, might be "While you're in the water, have yourself a drink." For music lovers in Jakarta however, "while enjoying a world-class performance, have some pride in knowing that you might've just helped save a life," might be the perfect adaptation. This year's Toyota Classic's Charity Concert featuring the Budapest Operetta Theatre Company, will be held in Mulia Hotel's Grand Ballroom, Jakarta, on Friday 18 November 2005. This annual event starts in the Philippines and will end in Taiwan at the end of this month. The concert's revenue will be donated to Yayasan Jantung Anak Indonesia which helps poor Indonesian children who suffer from heart disease, as well as to other social institutions involved in promoting education and health.

Of course, while charity is a good reason for doing just about anything, it doesn't have to be your only reason to attend this concert. Budapest Operetta Theatre is one of the best in the business. And not just because Budapest (and Vienna) is the Operetta Capital and these musicians are Hungarian. Why, that would be like saying that all Italians can sing an Aria. Really, for a group of talented musicians who've performed in some of the most prestigious venues around the world, accompanied world-famous stars like Vanessa Mae, Richard Clayderman and Al di Meola, and whose 406 performances last season registered an average theatre capacity of over 90%, how bad can they be? And with all this for Rp.75000-Rp.1000000, you can't go wrong. Don't miss out! Contact info: PT Dentsu Indonesia, Graha Niaga, Lt 22. Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 58, Jakarta, (021) 250-5020, 250-5025 ext 124 & 393

I encourage everyone to go, even you guitar aficionados. Expand your horizon. After all, Aniello Desiderio's concert in Erasmus Huis, Jakarta, won't be till December 1 2005. That's right! Il Fenomeno is coming to J-town. Now here is a guitarist who offers not only a brilliantly refined technique, but also a profound artistry. Born in Naples in 1971,his outstanding debut at age 8 prompted critics to revere him as a child prodigy. He has since won many International competitions. Recently Mr.Desiderio has been appointed Professor at the Koblenz Academy of Music. There'll be a master class (YES!!) at the Italian Cultural Institute on December 3rd. For me, the thematic link would be "While enjoying a front row seat, try to learn a few tricks." But for some female friends of mine who are going mainly because they think Italians are sexy, well, the 'drink of water' might take on a different form. But really, 'drink' or no 'drink', if you come I'm absolutely sure you'll have a blast
of a 'swim', at the very least.
Cheers!

Contact info: Sudirman
Leman (08161397461)or at leman_sudirman@yahoo.com.

 

CONTACTS

Taman Ismail Marzuki
Jl. Cikini Raya 73 Jakarta Pusat
T 021 315 4087.

Komunitas Utan Kayu
Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H T 021 857 3388.

Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
Jl. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta No. 1
T 021 380 8283.
www.gkj-online.com

Jakarta Convention Center
Jl. Gatot Subroto T 021 572 6000.

Galeri Nasional Indonesia
Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14 A
Jakarta Pusat
T 021 348 33954,-55.

Centre Cultural Francais
Jl. Salemba Raya No. 25
T (021) 390 8585

Goethe Institute
Jl. Sam Ratulangi no 9-15, Menteng
T (021) 2355 0208
www.goethe.de-jak

Istituto Italiano di Cultura
Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 11, Menteng
T (021) 3392 7531

Erasmus Huis
Jl. HR Rasuna Said
Kuningan
T (021) 524 1069
www.erasmushuis.or.id