A New Beginning’ Gala Concert from Conservatory of Music (CoM), was featured at UPH Festival 25. This event was open for public on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at UPH Grand Chapel, Lippo Village Tangerang, at 5PM-7PM. This event was attended by more than 800 audiences, consisted of UPH community and public.

Revie Pongoh, the Coordinator of the Gala Concert event stated that this concert was a form of appreciation for what CoM students had learned. Through this Gala Concert, UPH Conservatory of Music wanted to show the results of their learning to the public. In other words, this Gala Concert was a showcase for UPH CoM students.

In addition to the neat performances from UPH Symphony Orchestra, there were also several selected soloists in the concert ? the winners of ‘Soloist Competition’ held by CoM UPH in 2018. The three Soloists played pieces such as Luigi Boccherini – Cello Concerto no. 9, G.482, W.A. Mozart – Flute Concerto in D Major, KV. 314, Johann Strauss – Mein Herr Marquies from Die Fledermaus.

Jonathan Wiliam Abaraham of CoM 2017, violoncello soloist, expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in this concert.

“I have been studying cello for 4 years and had a dream to become a soloist in the 2nd year. For me, being involved in this Gala Concert is one of the most valuable experiences in my life. It was so surreal heading to the stage and performing,” explained William.

The same thing was felt by Ryon Regasa, CoM 2016. He was both grateful and nervous that he was given a flute solo piece in the Gala Concert.

“I?m very thankful and impressed because through this event me and my friends had the opportunity to inspire the new students and the public audience attending this event. I use this opportunity to try and practice to my fullest ability. I have to memorize my solo part and also the score of the orchestra team,” said Ryon, who has shown his passion for music since childhood ? in 6th grade he was selected as a saxophone player in Primary Concert Band, an ensemble of woodwinds and brass, in Canberra.

Aside from instrument soloists, vocal pieces are also performed in the Gala Concert. Jacqqoeline L. Toruan of CoM 2017, a soprano, also performed amazingly at this Gala Concert.

“It’s a pride for me and my family that I can be a soloist at this concert. I?m very happy to be able to involve and to work with everyone. This is my first experience singing with UPH Symphony Orchestra, and I got new experiences in working together and understanding each other,” said Jacqqoeline, who had received a gold medal at ‘Bali International Choir Festival 2013’ and ‘Singapore International Choir Festival 2014’.

The involvement of William, Ryon, and Jacqoeline in this Gala Concert is a special appreciation from CoM UPH. CoM?s support for the development of their students is not only felt in the preparation for this concert, but also in their study process at UPH which is useful for their personal development.

These are the testimonies of the soloists regarding their experiences during their study at UPH CoM:
“UPH Conservatory of Music strongly supports my study process ? its proficient lecturers, mandatory concerts, and involvement in UPH music concerts are ways to encourage us to grow. Certainly, it is my lecturers who enable me to perform in a concert like yesterday?s,? William admitted.
“UPH Conservatory of Music has given me a lot of experience as a performer by providing many opportunities to perform in an orchestra, chamber music, and now as a soloist. CoM has also taught me to be a good performer, so I can be confident performing in public and can make the audience feel what I want them to feel,” said Ryon.
“All my experience and everything I learn during my time at CoM really helped me develop the talents that I have,” Jacoeline concluded.
UPH CoM hopes that through this concert, the new students and the public who attended will become more familiar with UPH CoM and can continue to produce the best masterpiece through its graduates and the pieces they create. (mt)