"Music Odyssey:" A Dream through Addie MS' Gratitude

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - After 30 years in the world of music, Addie M.S., the conductor of the Twilight Orchestra, is now 50 years old. To appreciate his achievements the "Music Odyssey" concert will be held in Jakarta, on November 29.

"The idea came early this year, as I get older, my career has also matured. I was chatting with Memes to think of something interesting to do. But it was just idle chatter, without any conclusion," said Addie, who is also the husband of the pop star, Memes, in a press conference, Jakarta, Wednesday.

Continuing his story, finally he found the perfect concept to have a concert to commemorate 30 years of his work. "While considering this Tiara (Managing Director of Jewel Studio) decided to join, which was quite an honor and I was flattered," he said. "Plus I had help from Rama Soeprapto (Artistic Director for "Music Odyssey") who has always helped to make my dreams come true," he continued.

With the support of Tiara and Rama, the concept for "Music Odyssey" was complete. "My doubts evaporated, from the first meeting I saw that the team always gave the best, and I thought 'OK, this is what I've always needed'," he said.

"Music Odyssey" is the commemoration of Addie's career path from 1979 to 2000. "The concept is minimalist. There will be two tones of music performed. First, pop, and second, classic symphony. But relax this is not the kind of classic music that lulls you to sleep," he explained.

In the "Music Odyssey" concert, Addie won't only lead the Twilight Orchestra, but also be the narrator of his career journey. "I'm shy. As a conductor I usually have my back to the audience, but this time whether I want to or not I'll have to face them, recounting my career from 1979 till 2000," he explained.

As retold by Addie, his career story will start from his family that raised him. "I have seven siblings, but only one was out of his mind, and that was Addie, who wanted to be a musician and that was a disaster for my family," he recalled, "And I remember at that time they thought I'd last three years in the music industry, then I'd go back to college. But they were wrong. I'm still a musician for after three - coincidentally the same number - decades," he said.

Tiara and Rama weren't the only ones supporting "Music Odyssey". Memes was also in the creative team of the concert. "All my life I've created so much, sometimes I forget what I've made. But luckily, Memes is there to remind me. Memes is like my flashdisk," said Addie.

Addie's and Memes' two children - Kevil Aprilio, personnel of the pop group Vierra, and Tristan Juliano - will also be there to spice up the concert. "Kevin will play the piano, combined with orchestra. Tristan, my youngest son, will play the classic piano, also combined with orchestra," said Addie.

Several national and foreign singers will also perform. "Artists who've collaborated with me. Such as BCL (Bunga Citra Lestari), - people seldom know I've composed a song for her; Ikang Fawzy; Afgan; and Rita Effendi. From abroad I've invited James Egglestone from Australia and Makiko Goko from Japan," he explained.

However, according to Addie, the "Music Odyssey" isn't his ideal concert. "This is not the ultimate concert, but one that recaps how I built my career from zero with dreams, pain, and finally I am where I am, and I'm thankful  to God Almighty for all He's given," he said. (C7-09/C17-09)