UNS – The Student Choir of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, known as PSM Voca Erudita, has once again brought pride to Indonesia by winning new accolades on the international stage. Voca Erudita participated in the Musica Orbis Prague Festival in Prague, Czech Republic on Saturday (29/6/2024) and the 58th Internationaler Chorwettbewerb in Spittal an der Drau, Austria, from Friday (5/7/2024) to Saturday (6/7/2024). Representing Indonesia, Voca Erudita UNS successfully brought home five awards from these two competitions.
Voca Erudita’s advisor, Dr. Eng. Ir. Pringgo Widyo Laksono, S.T., M.Eng., explained that the Musica Orbis Prague Festival is a festival-based competition designed to appreciate art, especially in the fields of choir and orchestra, from around the world. Competing against 18 participants from 16 different countries, Voca Erudita showcased their talent at the Prague Conservatory Hall. The competition was held privately, with only the judges and a few officials in attendance.
Voca Erudita competed in two categories: B3 – Sacred Repertoire (Mixed Choir) and Folklore Repertoire (Mixed Choir). In the Folklore Repertoire category, Voca Erudita performed three songs: “Lancang Kuning” from Riau, arranged by Mahardika Simbolon; “Gayatri” from Bali, arranged by Bagus S. Utomo; and “Yamko Rambe Yamko” from Papua, arranged by Agustinus Bambang Jusana. These songs were performed with enthusiasm and spirit, leaving a remarkably beautiful impression on the audience.
In the Sacred Repertoire (Mixed Choir) category, Voca Erudita performed three selected religious-themed songs: “O Magnum Mysterium” arranged by Javier Busto, “Wade in de Water” arranged by Allen Koepke, and “Exsultate Deo” arranged by Budi Susanto Yohanes. These songs were delivered magnificently, impressing the judges.
At the Musica Orbis Prague Festival 2024, Voca Erudita won the awards for Champion of Sacred Repertoire, Champion of Folklore Repertoire, and Grand Champion of the Musica Orbis Prague Festival 2024.
During their time in Prague, the Voca Erudita team also had the opportunity to visit the Indonesian Embassy in the Czech Republic, where they were warmly received by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Kenssy D. Ekaningsih. During this visit, Voca Erudita performed “Indonesia Pusaka” and several other songs from the competition in front of the ambassador and embassy staff.
Unlike the relatively new Musica Orbis Prague Festival, which began in 2019, the second competition Voca Erudita participated in, the Internationaler Chorwettbewerb in Spittal an der Drau, first started in 1964 and marked its 58th edition this year. As one of the most prestigious international competitions, Voca Erudita had to undergo a rigorous selection process before being chosen as one of the participants from six different countries. This legendary competition was watched by the local community and held at two venues: Porcia Castle and City Hall.
The Internationaler Chorwettbewerb in Spittal an der Drau features two categories: Choral Works, Classic and Modern Category (A) and Folklore Category (B).
In the Choral Works, Classic and Modern Category (A), which is divided into compulsory and free song categories, Voca Erudita performed the compulsory songs “O Rossignuol” by Monteverdi and “Give Us Peace” by Nana Forte. For the free song category, they performed “O Magnum Mysterium” arranged by Javier Busto and “HAYA!” by Karin Rehnqvist. According to the judges, Voca Erudita had clear articulation while singing the lyrics.
The song “HAYA!” with lyrics written in the author’s language, conveys a message of appreciating beauty. Although the song seemed random and lively, its harmony expressed the essence of happiness. Despite its high difficulty level, it was a perfect choice as Voca Erudita performed it well, effectively conveying the song’s message. Thanks to their performance, Voca Erudita secured first place in this category, surpassing competitors from Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, and Poland.
In the Folklore Category (B), Voca Erudita performed “Hela Rotan” from Maluku, arranged by Ken Steven; “Lancang Kuning” from Riau, arranged by Mahardika Simbolon; and “Gayatri” from Bali, arranged by Bagus S. Utomo. These regional songs were performed with lively movements and supporting props. Particularly during “Lancang Kuning,” Voca Erudita used yellow sampur or shawls to symbolize the shape of the yellow boat. The combination of engaging choreography and captivating voices earned continuous applause from the audience.
To participate in these competitions, Voca Erudita sent 37 singers. The competition team was accompanied by Dr. Eng. Ir. Pringgo Widyo Laksono, S.T., M.Eng., as the advisor, one official, and two conductors, Redi Sabtono S.Sn. and Ardian Dika Adhyatma S.Sn.
Dr. Pringgo, the advisor of Voca Erudita UNS, expressed pride and emotion over Voca Erudita’s performance. The preparations for the European competitions took approximately five months, with support from various parties, especially parents, donors, sponsors, and UNS. This support helped Voca Erudita succeed in these European competitions. Dr. Pringgo also mentioned that many participants praised the Voca Erudita UNS team.
“Voca Erudita performed extraordinarily with excellent harmonic blending and stunning choreography, accompanied by strong emotional expression in delivering the songs. This impressed other participants, many of whom gave standing ovations and were moved,” Dr. Pringgo explained on Monday (15/7/2024).
After completing their international competition series, PSM Voca Erudita UNS was invited to participate in the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Indonesia-Austria Diplomatic Relations, organized by the Indonesian Embassy/Permanent Mission in Vienna in collaboration with the Redemptorist Vienna and supported by the Austrian-Indonesian Society.
The diplomatic celebration was held at the second oldest church in Vienna, Maria Am Gestade Kirche, on Monday (8/7/2024), and was attended by Father Patrick O’Toole, CSsr, Rector and Pastor of Maria am Gestade Church; Y.M. Mr. Klaus Wölfer, former Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia (2006-2011); and Dr. iur. Damos Dumoli Agusman, Indonesian Ambassador/Permanent Representative to Austria, Slovenia, the UN, and International Organizations in Vienna. The celebration was also attended by approximately 150 people, including church congregants, Austrian residents, diplomatic circles, partners of the Indonesian Embassy/Permanent Mission in Vienna, Indonesian students, and the general public. With this performance, Voca Erudita hopes to entertain and introduce Indonesian culture while leaving a positive impression as the young generation of Indonesia.
The success of Voca Erudita this time is due to the prayers and support of many parties. “Voca Erudita extends its gratitude to all members and their parents, the alumni family of Voca Erudita, the entire academic community of UNS, sponsors, the city of Surakarta, the Indonesian Embassy in Prague, and the Indonesian Embassy in Vienna, and all parties involved in this process for their support, enabling us to bring honor to Indonesia, especially the city of Surakarta. May all the achievements we have obtained inspire and motivate us to continue working for the nation and country,” Dr. Pringgo concluded.
Humas UNS
Reporter: Annisa Fakhira
Editor: Dwi Hastuti