The Apurva Kempinski Bali revives 1950s Indonesian Music at L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo

There is a certain romanticism in the way a melody anchors a moment in time, and at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, this nostalgia is being reimagined with a modern, artistic edge. The resort’s latest project, the seventh edition of its musical series titled A Timeless Symphony: Indonesian Treasure, brings the storied legacy of Indonesian music to a vibrant, graffiti-clad home at L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo back in March.

Perched on the highest floor of the resort, Cyril Kongo’s elevated atelier is far from a standard lounge. It is an avant-garde sanctuary where the “Kongo Lifestyle” takes centre stage, blending vibrant street art with the quiet luxury of premium cigars and the finest spirits. It is a rare experience to sit amongst the bold graffiti of Cyril Kongo while listening to the soulful melodies of 1950s Indonesian music.

The evening serves as a sophisticated bridge between eras, led by the creative brilliance of Maestro Budi Utomo Prabowo and the esteemed Indonesian composer Aksan Sjuman. Together with the ensemble Nada 1928, they breathe new life into compositions that have long defined the nation’s identity. Followed by an insightful talk, the evening is joined by jazz producer Andreas Arianto with Pankrasius Savio on piano, Louise Mitak on bass, Rio Herwindo on viola, and Roy Setiawan on drums. The vocalists Ras Gito, Ope Dahlan, Eka Wirayanti, and Lyta Lautner complete the group.

The programme draws its soul from the definitive musical bibles of the Jakarta Arts Council, which chart the evolution of the country’s sound from classical piano to jazz. The council gathers influential musicians such as Aisha Sudiarso-Pletscher, Aksan Sjuman, Anusirwan, and Budi Utomo Prabowo. Their works begin with the Anthology of Indonesian Classical Music: Vocal and Piano Seriosa (2013), followed by Anthology of Indonesian Music: Jazz and Popular Music (2017).

Vincent Guironnet, general manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, captures the importance of the project: “With every edition of Anthology of Indonesian Music, our desire to go deeper only grows – to present the music, the full power and story behind it, particularly for younger generations who deserve to know this inheritance.”

With a plate of Mediterranean tapas and a handcrafted cocktail in hand, guests can settle into an atmosphere that feels both polished and deeply personal. Between the live piano notes and the Mediterranean flavours, the evening proves that the timeless allure of Indonesian music is perfectly complemented by the bold, artistic spirit of Cyril Kongo.

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