Nathania Karina

Allowing diverse genres to be part of the concert experience

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, please?

I was trained as a classical pianist and hold a doctorate in musical arts. I was unexpectedly asked to conduct this church ensemble simply because there was no one else, and somehow, everything just fell into place. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, writing music, and reading.

I attended my first piano lesson at the age of four and have never left music since. Coming from a non-musical family, I feel incredibly blessed that my parents have always supported my musical journey. I’ve always loved music, but I never initially imagined becoming a full-time musician.

You are the Conductor and Music Director of the Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra. Can you explain what this orchestra is about?

Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST) is a non-profit foundation founded in 2013, which dedicates all its funds to support concerts, masterclasses, and festival participation.

In the summer of 2024, TRUST toured the UK, performing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in London, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – where they received the Outstanding Young Performer 2024 award from The Asian Arts Awards. Most recently, they earned a Gold Award at the 2025 World Orchestra Festival in Vienna.

Now, with over 120 members aged 11 to 35, TRUST stages at least three high-demand public concerts a year, often selling out within 10 minutes and providing a fun, intensive environment that nurtures musical growth and industry readiness.

Unlike traditional youth orchestras, TRUST performs a wide range of genres from jazz and pop to rock and folk, and is best known for its signature movie soundtrack series “The Legends”.

You, as well as the orchestra, come from Indonesia. How do you see your home country through the eyes of a musician?

Indonesia is a fascinating country, especially when it comes to its vibrant music scene. The music industry here is one of the most dynamic in Southeast Asia, filled with countless talented individuals. Piano remains a popular instrument, and in recent years orchestral instruments, particularly strings, have begun to gain wider appreciation.

However, despite this growing interest, Indonesia still lacks a national orchestra and a proper, purpose-built symphonic concert hall. Organising symphonic orchestra performances remains a significant challenge. Although the appeal of orchestral music is growing today, just a decade ago we often faced criticism for not strictly adhering to the “classical” repertoire.

But we’ve always believed in a broader vision: to create an orchestra that’s for everyone. That means embracing not only classical music but also allowing diverse genres to be part of the concert experience. Music, after all, should be inclusive and accessible to all.

How many countries has TRUST performed in?

We’ve been fortunate to perform in remarkable cities around the world – Sydney, Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, Prague, London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, for which we are truly grateful.

However, one of our biggest challenges remains touring our own country. Despite our international appearances, we’ve only been able to visit a handful of cities across Indonesia. It’s a bittersweet reality, and frankly, quite a shame, considering how much we’ve achieved abroad. We believe Indonesian audiences everywhere deserve access to high-quality orchestral performances, and we hope to bring our music to more corners of the archipelago in the future.

What do you think is the most difficult part of being a musician?

Personally, I’ve loved every moment of being a musician. I feel incredibly fortunate that my work is also my passion—what more could I ask for?

For the TRUST Orchestra, however, one of our biggest ongoing challenges is keeping both our members and our audience continually inspired. Striking the balance between delivering high-quality programs and keeping them fresh and engaging is no easy task. The orchestral landscape in Indonesia is vastly different from that in European countries, where the ecosystem is more established and supported. We truly hope that in the future, there will be greater support from the government to help nurture and sustain the growth of orchestral music in Indonesia. The potential is immense, we just need the right foundation to thrive.

This is your first time in Prague. What was your initial impression?

Prague is simply beautiful! Especially the old town area. Fortunately, it’s actually not my first time in Prague – but the charm is there. For most of the members of the TRUST Orchestra, it is their first time. And I’m very happy to be able to give a short lecture on Smetana and Dvořák along the river Vltava itself!

I can imagine it was a remarkable lecture for young musicians. Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of musicians?

The future generation will grow up in a world shaped by rapid technological advancement, constant change, and uncertainty. As musicians, they will face unique challenges navigating a digital landscape, staying relevant, and finding their own voice amidst the noise. But with these challenges come opportunities. Embrace technology as a tool, not a threat. Stay true to your identity, and, most importantly, pursue your craft with passion. In a world that’s always shifting, authenticity and dedication will always stand out.

What are you, as a representative of your country, expecting from your tour?

We hope to introduce Indonesian folk music to international audiences, not only to showcase the richness of our cultural heritage but also to spark curiosity and appreciation for the stories and traditions behind it. Who knows, it might even inspire people to learn more about Indonesia, and perhaps one day visit and experience our vibrant culture firsthand. Music has the power to connect people across borders, and we believe our folk heritage deserves a place on the global stage.

Looking ahead again, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I truly hope I can continue doing what I love today. With the same heart, the same passion, and the same sense of purpose. No matter where the journey leads, I want to stay grounded in the joy and meaning that music brings to my life.