Being an artist doesn’t stop with age. Indonesian seniors continue to show their artistic flair through Panggung Maestro—a forum for senior artists to channel their creativity through various collaborations of music, dance, and words.
Organized by the Bali Purnati Foundation, this forum brings together maestros from all over Indonesia to showcase various traditions that teach and share the cultural practices of a bygone time. After all, Indonesia has over 17,000 islands consisting of 38 provinces that have their own distinct heritage and culture.
Panggung Maestro is not just a series of events but a platform for senior citizens to continue sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation. The elderly artists’ ages range from 60 to 90 years old, but all of them have dedicated their lives to the craft of performing.
Last month, the maestro stage showcased the Minangkabau tradition through body and voice. The movements are akin to the silat, a traditional martial art that combines self-defense that incorporates art, culture, philosophy, and sport. While the salung, a traditional bamboo flute from the Minangkabau people, plays in the background. The whole performance of dancing and singing then reflected the relationship between man and nature with balance and honor.
Let’s continue keeping our traditions alive. Support Panggung Maestro by watching their live events or by following their Instagram page.
Do you have an ancestral practice that you want to keep alive? Share it with us in the comments!