Thanksgiving Concert 2014

300 spectators who filled Balai Andhika, Hotel Majapahit were dazzled by Russy Susanto in the family concert titled the “Thanksgiving Concert”. The senior piano teacher who also owns the Seraphim Music Studio is joined by her three children, Edith Claudia Atmadja, Kevin Georgius Atmadja, Cosmas Sebastian Atmadja and her husband, Hartono Adi Atmadja to present the virtuoso performance in the family concert.

The concert is a form of appreciation from the family of Russy Susanto over all the blessings, grace and the musical talents that God has bestowed upon her family. Besides being a piano teacher, Russy is also a soprano. Her daughter Edith who is a pianist and flutist, is also a composer/arranger. Her first son, Kevin, besides learning conducting, is proficient at playing the violin and clarinet while Cosmas, the youngest son, is a pianist who has won numerous competitions both local and internationally. The showcase features each family member displaying their musical talents with great technique.

The concert opens with a rendition of Fantasy on Themes from Bizet’s Carmen by Cosmas on the first piano, Russy and Edith on the second piano and Kevin on the percussions. The composition which serves as a beautiful opening to the concert, is followed by numerous other brilliant compositions. Russy Susanto gives a distinct colour to the compositions through the variety of her vocals, from opera and praise songs to oriental and Indonesian songs. Kevin also delivered an outstanding performance on the violin and clarinet with Violin Concerto from Saint-Saens and Nocturne from Chopin respectively. Edith and Cosmas displayed impressive techniques on the piano as they take turns playing solo or duet with renditions of pieces such as Manteca by Kasputin, Ondine by Ravel, Alegro Appasionato by Saint-Saens. The closing piece of the concert is the Yellow River Concerto, with the 4 parts performed in full by Cosmas and Edith. The rendition of this repertoire, which is known to be of a very high difficulty, managed to convey the bitterness, anger and struggle which is the essence behind the composition.

This concert, which is held on 28 April 2014 also serves to welcome home all of Russy’s children who just returned from their studies overseas. At the end of the festivities, Russy accompanied by her husband and children invites the audience to join them in singing Give Thanks and How Great Thou Art to cap off the magnificent night.

Concert Detail:

Venue:  Balai Andhika – Majapahit Hotel, Surabaya

Date: April 28, 2014

Performers:

• Russy Sutanto
• Edith Claudia Atmadja
• Kevin Georgius Atmadja
• Cosmas Sebastian Atmadja