Kita Ngobrol Bareng George Harliono, Pianis Berdarah Indonesia yang Banyak Dapat Penghargaan

Summary

In this engaging interview, pianist George Haryono shares his journey from playing piano on the streets of London at a young age to performing in prestigious venues globally. With 17 years of experience, George discusses his passion for piano, his preparation for performances, and the challenges of balancing travel and practice. He reflects on his Indonesian heritage, his love for Indonesian food, and his upcoming concerts in Jakarta. George emphasizes the importance of music education and his desire to support young Indonesian musicians, all while expressing gratitude for the support he receives from audiences worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 George Haryono has been playing the piano since he was 6 years old and has 17 years of experience.
• 🎹 He started his piano career by performing on street pianos in London between the ages of 10 and 12, attracting large crowds.
• 🎶 George's favorite type of music to play includes classical pieces, with a special affection for Beethoven's sonatas and Russian composer Balakirev's works.
• 🌏 Although George grew up in the UK, he has strong Indonesian roots through his mother, who is from Jakarta.
• 🍜 George enjoys Indonesian food, especially 'mi gang,' which he considers a favorite dish.
• 🎤 At 23 years old, George has already achieved notable success, including winning a silver medal at the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2023.
• ⏰ George practices for around 8 hours a day, balancing his practice with a busy travel schedule and various performance commitments.
• 🎹 He plans to perform Indonesian music during his upcoming concerts in Jakarta in August, including traditional pieces close to his heart.
• ✈️ George enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, despite limited free time due to his demanding career.
• 🎶 His upcoming concert programs in Jakarta will include a mix of classical music and Indonesian songs, as a tribute to the country's culture and independence.
• 🎉 His concerts in Jakarta sold out quickly, with fans eagerly anticipating his performances. He hopes to perform in more cities across Indonesia in the future.

Q & A

How long has George been playing the piano?

George has been playing the piano since he was about six years old, which makes it around 17 years now.

What was George’s first experience with public piano performances?

When George was between 10 and 12 years old, he played street pianos around London as part of a festival where pianos were painted and placed in public spaces. His father filmed the performances, which later gained attention on YouTube.

Why did George initially hesitate to post his street piano performances online?

At first, George was very self-critical and thought the videos were not good enough to post. He only decided to share them three years later, and the authenticity of the performances drew a lot of attention.

What piece did George perform on the street piano in London?

George played Balakirev's 'Islamey' on the street piano. This piece is special to him, as it was also the first piece he performed at his piano concert.

Is George's family background connected to Indonesia?

Yes, George's mother is from Jakarta, Indonesia, and his father is British.

What is George’s favorite Indonesian food?

George’s favorite Indonesian food is 'Mie Goreng' (fried noodles), especially the original, classic version, as he finds it the most delicious.

What are some of George's major achievements in his music career?

George has had several significant achievements, including performing at prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall, recording Beethoven's Piano Sonatas at the Southbank Centre in London, and winning the silver medal at the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2023.

How does George prepare for his performances?

George practices around eight hours a day to prepare for performances. This practice includes preparing pieces for upcoming concerts and managing a demanding travel schedule.

What is the significance of George’s upcoming concerts in Jakarta in August?

George’s concerts in Jakarta in August will feature Indonesian music, as he wants to connect with the audience by celebrating Indonesia’s culture and National Independence Day. These concerts will be a mix of classical music and Indonesian songs.

Does George have any hobbies outside of music?

While George has limited time for hobbies due to his busy schedule, he enjoys sports, particularly cycling, table tennis, and badminton. He also loves traveling and experiencing new cultures and foods.