The Maestro of Indonesian Opera
Wednesday, 24 January, 2007 | 11:05 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: There will be a special performance of Beethoven's Opera Fidelia in Concert on Friday (01/26) at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

Catharina Wiriadinata Leimena, 70, regarded as the maestro of Indonesian opera, will perform in the event collaborating with the Susvara Opera Company and the Gita Svara for Vocal Music Education Center.

For this performance, she will be the producer and the music director.

“This is a great chance to express my music and to interact with young people as well,” said Catrin, as she is usually addresses, now also a director at Gita Svara.

This energetic lady has said that she considers opera is within her soul and acknowledged being involved in several operas since the 1960s.

She had performed roles in: Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell; La Gioconda by Ponchiello; Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi; Cavaleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni; and in La Norma by V. Bellini.

Catrin said that she felt discouraged on seeing that the appreciation of opera music in Indonesia was not yet as hreat as that of other kinds of music.

In fact, so far, in addition to being known as a vocal expert, she is also known for playing a role in establishing opera in the country.

HADRIANI P