The partnership proposal plan was signed with West Java Province, Indonesia.
The partnership proposal plan between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the West Java Province was signed on Saturday 13 May during a 12-day cross-cultural engagement in Indonesia. This partnership commitment is part of the Implementation program of the cooperation between West Java and the Victorian Government.
After the annual MSO Youth Music Camp and Arts Management Workshops in Yogyakarta (8 - 11 May), the MSO delegation of musicians and management staff travelled to Bandung for a partnership proposal plan signing ceremony between the Head of Tourism and Culture Agency of West Java Province, Benny Bachtiar and MSO Managing Director Sophie Galaise.
As the partnership commitment is designed under the partnership initiatives between two governments, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms Penny Williams PSM and His Excellency Ridwan Kamil, Governor of the West Java Provincealso attended and witnessed the signing ceremony.
MSO musicians Sarah Curro (violin), Kirstin Kenny (violin), Katharine Brockman (viola), Michelle Wood (cello), and Rohan Dasika (double bass) will be leading a series of strings workshops with local musicians from across the province, culminating in a collaborative performance on Wednesday 17 May.
The three-day arts management workshop will be attended by a diverse range of representatives in the performing arts and arts management sector from government, universities, cultural institutions, and communities.
Discussions on high-level organisational strategies, operations, administration, marketing, ticketing, and partnerships will broaden understanding between the two countries.
Galaise said the new partnership agreement builds on the Letter of Intent signed by the Governor of West Java Province, His Excellency Ridwan Kamil, and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews in late 2022, to enhance friendly cooperation in economic development, education and training, sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding.
“This new agreement provides a wonderful opportunity to expand the MSO’s regional relationships with such an important economic partner.
The engagement model and associated activities are based on the MSO’s successful partnership with the Yogyakarta Province, first established in 2015 and recently extended until 2025. We look forward to providing similar exciting opportunities for the musicians and arts practitioners of West Java,” she said.
Bachtiar conveyed that he cherished the opportunity to collaborate with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, to implement the cooperation between the two provinces.
“West Java Province will be delighted to have a long-term collaboration with the MSO. And it began with this first step. We strongly believe that our music communities will gain great advantages and experiences since the MSO is one of the greatest orchestras in the world.”
His Excellency Ridwan Kamil, Governor of the West Java Province lauded the mutual benefits that stem from the partnership proposal plan strengthening the cooperation between West Java and Victoria State Government.
“The MSO’s developing relationship with the Government of West Java is an exciting step in the Orchestra’s activity in Indonesia, providing a framework for cultural programs in West Java and Melbourne based on equality, reciprocity, mutual benefit, and to promote relations and mutual understanding between the MSO and Government of West Java,” said Governor Kamil.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms. Penny Williams PSM, attended the signing and praised the new agreement.
“It is fantastic to see one of Australia’s leading orchestras and the government of West Java working together to facilitate artistic exchange. Collaboration through the arts helps strengthen mutual understanding between our two countries,” she said.