On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a distinct vibrancy filled the halls of Galeri Seni Mitra Hadiprana in South Jakarta, as the echoes of classical music and poetic melodies intertwined during "Gen Alpha of Classical Music." The concert, spearheaded by celebrated composer and pianist Ananda Sukarlan, showcased a rising generation of classical musicians in an event that blended musical mastery with cultural storytelling.

This event highlighted winners of two prestigious national competitions: the Ananda Sukarlan Award (ASA) and Piano Nusantara Plus (KPN+). The evening featured stellar performances by four young talents—Freya Murti Pramudita (soprano), Veeshan Nathaniel Tandino (violinist), and pianists Samuel Dazhill and Michael Anthony.

Fostering Expression Through Music
For Ananda Sukarlan, the event was more than a concert—it was a platform to inspire young musicians to delve deeper into the essence of music as a form of storytelling and emotional expression. “I want these young talents to view music not just as a performance but as a medium to reflect life’s complexities, address social issues, and build identity,” Sukarlan shared during the event.

Each performer brought distinct elements to the stage, captivating the audience. Freya delivered hauntingly beautiful renditions of Sukarlan’s tembang puitik—songs based on Indonesian poetry—while Veeshan dazzled with the virtuosic "Fantasy on Tapanuli Folksongs," showcasing Indonesia's regional richness.

Meanwhile, pianists Samuel Dazhill and Michael Anthony captivated the audience with pieces from Sukarlan’s Rapsodia Nusantara, which is celebrated for its technical intricacies and deep connection to Indonesia's folk heritage. Michael’s performance of No. 7, inspired by Papua’s traditional songs, and Samuel’s No. 8, based on a Manado classic, underscored the cultural diversity that defines Indonesia’s music.

A Celebration of Poetry and Melody
The concert also celebrated Indonesia’s literary heritage, incorporating works from iconic poets like D. Zawawi Imron and Pulo Lasman Simanjuntak. Freya’s performance of “Menulis Syair untuk Presiden, Episode 2” merged lyrical storytelling with a poignant melody, leaving a profound impact on attendees.

Highlighting this interplay between poetry and music, Sukarlan noted, “My compositions aim to connect classical music with our literary treasures, inviting vocalists to explore poetry as a profound source of inspiration.”

Elevating Indonesia’s Classical Music Scene
The event marked another milestone in Indonesia’s classical music journey. Both ASA and KPN+ have served as transformative platforms for nurturing young talents. KPN+, which saw a record 477 participants in its previous edition, and ASA, known for its stringent standards, are instrumental in raising the bar for musical excellence.

The upcoming 2025 ASA competition will feature new requirements for vocalists, encouraging a broader exploration of Indonesian poetry. Participants must now perform works from three different poets, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation’s diverse literary voices.

Sukarlan believes this shift will inspire future generations to embrace Indonesia’s cultural wealth. “Our regional music and poetry are treasures that define us. I hope these competitions encourage artists to explore and celebrate our rich artistic heritage,” he said.

Looking Ahead
“Gen Alpha of Classical Music” was not just a concert—it was a testament to the transformative power of music and culture. As Indonesia’s young musicians continue to excel on national and international stages, events like this reaffirm the role of art in bridging generations and preserving identity.

With a future as bright as the melodies that graced the halls of Mitra Hadiprana, classical music in Indonesia stands poised for an era of innovation and profound cultural storytelling.