The programme is part of the resort’s 2023 Powerful Indonesia campaign, in collaboration with highly acclaimed Indonesian composer and musician Aksan Sjuman
Today, five-star resort The Apurva Kempinski Bali and the highly acclaimed Indonesian composer and musician Aksan Sjuman launch a new immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the musical bibles of ‘Anthology Music of Indonesia’. Guests are invited to learn more about the fragments of the music in the resort’s Pendopo Lobby every Saturday from 16:00 to 18:00, where the artist in residence – Truedy – will introduce and conduct a special performance to bring these musical notes to life.
Under the umbrella of the Jakarta Arts Council, ‘Anthology Music of Indonesia’ brought together the influential musicians Aksan Sjuman, Anto Hoed, Anusirwan, Otto Sidharta, Aisha Sudiarso Pletscher, Anursiwan and Budi Utomo Prabowo, who classify the development of music in Indonesia and form it as Indonesia’s historical and musical bible. These esteemed profiles have composed two series of musical bibles. The first series is titled ‘Anthology of Indonesian Classical Music: Vocal and Piano Seriosa’, formed in 2013, and the second series is named ‘Anthology of Indonesian Music: Jazz and Popular Music’, crafted in 2017. These musical bibles provide a fairly complete narration in terms of giving a broad perspective on Indonesian music and are expected to be the source in observing the Indonesian musical trajectories over the course of history.
The inaugural event to launch these musical bibles takes place today, 29 March 2023, at L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo – The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s iconic bar. With an evening filled with music and melody, this set features an intimate performance by Aksan Sjuman with highly acclaimed musical
artist Merry Kasiman as well as a comprehensive talk show together with well-respected journalist and music observer Adib Hidayat.
Aksan Sjuman stated, “I have been waiting for this moment, to bring these series from Indonesia’s musical bible to life. On behalf of the Jakarta Arts Council committee, we hope that these books embody our humble endeavours in enlivening Indonesian art scenes, especially in the fields of
music.”
“This is truly a special programme, and we are delighted to have such an esteemed profile as Aksan Sjuman to join us in this movement. The music of Indonesia demonstrates its cultural diversity, and it is important for us to celebrate and to tie it together in our 2023 campaign Powerful Indonesia,” shared Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali.
AKSAN SJUMAN
Aksan Sjuman is a well-known figure on the Indonesian music scene. The Indonesian musician, actor and film composer has shared the stage with many of the country’s influential bands and musicians. He brought his passion for music and established the Sjuman School for Music Education, which has developed into a reputable institution for aspiring musicians. He contributes as a member of the music committee for the ‘Anthology of Indonesian Music’ book as well as the iconic ‘Sjuman-Renanda Concert Grand Piano’. There are only two of these that exist in the world, and one of them is on display in The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s lobby.
MERY KASIMAN
Meanwhile, Mery Kasiman is a talented pianist and keyboardist who has played with the POTRET band along with Aksan Sjuman and the academic director of Sjuman School for Music Education. Her passion for music has led her to explore various genres and collaborate with different musicians, making her a versatile artist in the Indonesian music industry. Playing a wide range of genres from pop and jazz to classical music, she is known for her ability to infuse different musical genres into her performances. She was involved in creating musical compositions for music festivals such as Java Jazz, Teater Salihara, and Serambi Jazz.
ADIB HIDAYAT
Adib Hidayat is a well-known Indonesian writer, journalist, and music observer who is recognised for his insightful musical perspectives in Indonesia. In 2009–2017, this highly respected figure served as the Editor in Chief at Rolling Stone Indonesia, along with Billboard Indonesia in 2018–2021 His passion for music has also led him to author several Indonesian band biography books, including Nidji (2008), Gigi (2009), Piyu Padi (2011), NOAH (2012), and “Indonesia 17.000 Islands of Imagination” for MIDEM (2018). His contribution to the industry goes beyond his editorial work and authorship, as he has also been involved in national and international musical awards and festivals, promoting the growth and recognition of Indonesian music on a global scale.
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