RI pianist in US to make int`l concert tour next year

New York (ANTARA News) - Indonesian pianist Aryo Wicaksono, a long-time resident of the United States, and two of his American friends, are to make a concert tour of a number of countries next year to present "Love and Variations", a song created by Indonesian composer Ananda Sukarlan.

The song was successfully played in Tucson, Arizona, last April.

Aryo has been living and playing piano in the United States for more than 10 years.

"We are planning to make a tour of some European countries, Indonesia and Japan next year before holding concerts in a few cities in the United States," Aryo said when reached by phone from here early this week.

"Love and Variations" is a composition made specially for Aryo and his two American friends -- Kathryn Mueller (soprano) and Nathan Krueger (baritone). Together they are publicly known as the "Swara Sonora Trio."

The group has so far performed three times in the United States.

Meanwhile, the group is to perform in Indonesia to raise funds for the United Nations Children`s Fund (UNICEF), he added.

Aryo, meanwhile, will also give performances in St. Petersburg, Russia, together with the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra next June and July. (*) end