MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FANTASIES WITH CAROLINE FISCHER

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FANTASIES WITH CAROLINE FISCHER

After a terrific performance in Surabaya in 2022, we were happy to welcome back and to present to classical music lovers in Surabaya acclaimed pianist Caroline Fischer from Germany. Once again, she visited Surabaya to perform a concert and offer a master class to talented young pianists from Surabaya. The concert took place on the 16^th of December 2023 at Auditorium Benedictus, Widya Mandala Catholic University, Dinoyo Campus, Surabaya.

More than 300 attendees came to enjoy this memorable event and witness the magic of Ms. Fischer’s fingers on the piano. The event was part of an introduction of her newest album “Magical Christmas Fantasies”, that was released in November 2023. “Magical Christmas Fantasies” is a music album that is suitable as a gift at the end of the year for family, friends, partners, or relatives. On the album Caroline Fischer tries exploring old and new, famous, and unknown Christmas melodies, and combining them to form one harmonious whole. During her performance in Surabaya, Caroline Fischer performed a selection of songs from her newest album. The concert was further enriched with a performance by the String Orchestra of Surabaya (SOOS).

The concert was opened by Mr. Mike Neuber, Director of Wisma Jerman and Mr. Kuncoro Foe, Rector of Widya Mandala Catholic University which supported the event by providing the venue for the concert free of cost. After the welcome words, the audience was treated to a splendid performance by Ms. Fischer. She had divided her program into two sessions. The first part among others featured, works of Bach (Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, Choral: Jesus bleibet meine Freude from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 and Ave Maria), Gustav Lange (Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht – Fantasie für das Pianoforte and Zu Weihnachten – Fantasie) and Mozart (Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann).

After the first set, the audience was treated to a performance by SOOS which was just as terrific. To the delight of the audience, the orchestra performed a medley of well-known Christmas songs including Angel We Have Heard on High, Good King Wenceslas, ⁠Silent Night and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. After this short break during which Ms. Fischer changed outfits, she continued with works of Walden (Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen), Helbig (Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her!) and Thiessen (O Tannenbaum).

On the following day, Caroline Fischer offered a master class for advanced piano players at Ruang Halle, Wisma Jerman from 11.00 – 17.00. The master class was attended by six students who aimed to improve their playing with the help of Caroline Fischer.

The events were supported by Widya Mandala Catholic University, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany for Indonesia, the String Orchestra of Surabaya, Maxima Flora, Francoville Boulangerie, Omamamio Gelato and BNI Surabaya. The continued support from all parties involved and the promotional efforts of Harian DISWAY and She Radio, which covered the event exclusively, contributed to the event’s success. We would like to thank them for their support and express our gratitude to everyone who participated. We look forward to welcoming you again at our next event.