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UNAIR NEWS – A feeling of relief, happiness shown from members of the orchestra. Almost all the spectators came forward after confetti was tossed among the members with the audience’s applause. All members and teams of Swara Svarna Indonesia (SSI) were congratulated after the first concert held at Cak Durasim, Surabaya Arts Center, Sunday, February 25.

Fifteen songs were performed brilliantly that night. They performed five western pop songs, five regional songs, and five progressive Indonesian pop songs. The majority of the members were the alumni of ¶«¾©ÈÈ’s choir from 1976 to 2005.

“We, people might say, are a bunch of crazy people. What brings us together is the passion to sing. No matter the professions, “said Director Budi Soemitro.

They are a bunch of professionals from different fields. Some are businessmen, lecturers, doctors, professors, even directors. They also come from various regions in Indonesia. Six months was enough for them to organize a show that was almost sold out.

“About love”

Regarding the theme, Budi revealed that love is the most universal language and can be understood by everyone. Love can be interpreted as love to parents, family, spouse, homeland. As for the SSI members, it is their way to show love to the art of singing.

In the two-hour concert, five regional songs were performed, Pak Pung Pak Mustape, Malay local song, Nasonang Ma Hita , Tapanuli song, Sudah Berlayar ´Ú°ù´Ç³¾Ìý²Ñ²¹±ô³Ü°ì³Ü,ÌýJenang Gula from Java and Luk Luk Lumbu from Banyuwangi.

“With the theme of love, everyone will feel it. Because it is felt and experienced by everyone, “said Budi.

Introducing Batik Madura

Because of love to the culture, there was a fashion show in the intermission. Madura batik was shown with classic, elegant, modern chic, casual simplicity, and androgyny themes.

“Batik Madura is not as well known as other batik like Cirebon, Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, and Solo. But, I want to show a collection of Madura batik rarely known by others. Our classic, contemporary, or combination motifs are tailored to the trends and tastes of the people, “said Budi who is also the owner of Blue Lotus Batik & Art, the main sponsor of the event.

Through the concept of fashion show, continued Budi, he wanted to make people understand that batik is not only be worn for coming to wedding and formal events. More than that, batik can be designed with the latest style and be tailored to the needs.

“I want to show that batik can be used in any occasions, any events, “said alumnus of Accounting Faculty of Economics and Business UNAIR 1984.

After the concert was held, Budi hoped that SSI can contribute to the nation and state through singing. That way, anyone who witnessed their performance will share the atmosphere of love for Indonesia.

“I hope SSI remains consistent in presenting the arts, especially the art of choir, the art of singing. Also, preserving the culture of Indonesia through local songs that lately less heard in the community. In fact, it’s a noble heritage of the nation that should be preserved, “he added.

Meanwhile, Jani Purnawanty, SH, SS, LL.M one of the members of SSI who is also a lecturer at Faculty of Law UNAIR expressed her feelings of relief after the concert. She admitted that she never imagined that SSI could finally held its own concert. “This is a concert we ever imagined to happen, but we made it,” she said.

She said that the concert was their first step to serve the art of national culture. “With this concert, we became aware that it was not enough. We can give more than just singing for fun. Commitment to care for regional songs, featuring regional songs in the choir stage, it will be a challenge, ” she said. (*)

Author: Binti Q. Masruroh

Editor: Feri Fenoria