Erwin Gutawa and Local Musicians Prepare for a "Symphony in Papua" Concert

Composer Erwin Gutawa Sumapradja plans to hold an orchestral music concert in Jayapura City, Papua in August 2022. In the concert entitled "Symphony in the Land of Papua", Erwin Gutawa will collaborate with local Papuan musicians and music artists.

"Hopefully my plan can be realized by involving Papuan musicians and artists," said Erwin in Jayapura, Tuesday (31/5/2022) night.

In the concert, Erwin admitted that he would bring 50 of his fostered musicians to collaborate with tens or even hundreds of Papuan musicians and artists. The hundreds of artists will perform Papuan songs.

“Papua is very memorable for me, even during my musical journey, I made several albums about Papua, such as Pangkur Sagu. In essence, I want musicians and artists in Papua to have new passion and experience in their work,” he said.

Responding to Erwin's plan, Jack Demotouw, a member of the old Papuan music group, Rio Grime, welcomed the concert plan. Jack hopes that this collaboration can foster a love for local Papuan music.

“We are very grateful that there are still great people who want to see the musical talent of Papuan children. I firmly believe that after this big things will happen for Papuan musicians and artists,” said Jack.

Meanwhile, the initiator of the "Symphony di Tanah Papua" concert, Mathius D Fakhiri hopes that the collaboration of Papuan artists and Erwin Gutawa will be a leap for young people who have artistic and creative values to be able to appear as young talents.

"This is a good opportunity for our children in Papua to show and develop their musical talents. I am sure that in the future Papuan artists will appear who are very extraordinary," said Fakhiri.