Claude Debussy was a French composer who lived during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. He was one of the important figures in the impressionist genre, who was heavily inspired by the Javanese traditional music during his life. This year marks 100 years after Debussy’s passing. As a major composer, this moment is surely appreciated by musicians all over the globe, including the lecturers of the Conservatory of Music UPH.

On Thursday, November 8, 2018, a “100th year of Debussy” concert was held with various performance of Debussy’s works. There were 10 lecturers and 2 students from UPH Conservatory of Music who took part in this concert.

“Each of these lecturers did a solo, duet, or trio performance of Debussy’s composition, each with their own musical instruments. Aside from commemorating the 100 years of Debussy’s death, this concert also became a place where the lecturers of UPH Conservatory of Music got to perform together in one stage. This was a rare moment to be very honest, because each of us are usually busy with our own schedules,” said Amelia Saontoso, a lecturer of UPH Conservatory of Music (CoM) as the Person in Charge (PIC), as well as one of the performer in this concert.

This concert was attended by more than 100 audiences, including students of UPH CoM of all batches, and the public. In about 1,5 hours, this concert has successfully brought that classical music atmosphere through Debussy’s composition, as well as the impressionist paintings by Claude Monet which were showcased inside the concert hall.

“We were very grateful because the students as well as the public turned out to have quite a great interest towards this kind of concert, it even exceeded our expectations,” said Amelia.

Stefina Wibisono, another lecturer who was also performed, also shared her feelings about this concert.

“I feel really happy because after such a long time, we can do a concert with all the other lecturers, even though the preparation might seem a little bit rushed amidst all of our schedules. I personally prepared for this concert only for about a month,” said Stefina.

As a lecturer, Stefina hopes that the students who were present at this concert are able to know more classical works, especially Desbussy’s.

“They also have to know how to handle the audience when they will be the one on the stage later on. Moreover, they also have to know the correct way to communicate with the audience. Hopefully, this concert can help the growth of the students’ character as future musicians who have to perform professionally and soulfully on the stage. Aside from that, I also hope that the lecturers of UPH Conservatory of Music are given more opportunities to hold these kind of concert at other places, which I believe could give lots of positive impacts for students and the public. Because through music, we can realize how great our Creator is,” Stefina then added.

In the near future, UPH Conservatory of Music will hold a number of events such as the “Children and Youth’s Song Composition” Festival on November, 18 and December 2, 2018, continued with a Piano Recital for Beethoven’s works in February 2019, a wind instruments recital on March 2019, and the Brahms Festival on April 2019, which will be held for three to four days. (it)