Ivan Tangkulung took part in the isa – International Summer Academy 2023 of the mdw. Ivan, born in 1994, studied composition at Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, from 2012 to 2015. After graduating he came back to his home country of Indonesia to work as a freelance composer. For the past few years he has been writing music for different purposes, mostly musical theatre and film, but also popular music. Ivan is also a performer and music director.

How and why did you come up with the idea to join the isa 2023?

I left the world of academia for quite some time after I graduated. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I wrote more and more concert music, and I felt a need to study composition even deeper. Fortunately, I found the programme of the isa on a website and decided to apply.

You took part in the composition masterclass. How would you describe the work in the masterclass?

It was refreshing and enlightening. I loved the teaching and guidance from my professors. Not only that, there were various workshops and concerts that stimulated creative ideas! I watched more concerts in those two weeks than in the past two years during the pandemic.

How was the interaction with your teacher and the colleagues in the masterclass?

It was magical. This was my first summer-course experience and I’ve never seen this much musical talent and excellence from all over the world at one place at the same time, getting together to experience and study music deeper.

What were your most memorable findings in the masterclass?

I could write an essay about this, but to summarize: I learnt how to “LISTEN” deeper, more intently and in a more focused manner.

What was special for you about the atmosphere at the isa 2023?

It’s the combination of a relaxed summer atmosphere and the excitement of a deadline. We had to work on a piece throughout the programme to be performed and it was nerve-racking (in a good way)!

How can you use your experiences at the isa for your current and future projects and work?

All the lessons I learnt there are definitely applicable in what I’m doing and going to do. The most important thing was that my work was performed wonderfully by the Ensemble Fractales. This will be a part of my portfolio to help me pursue my higher education.

What are your plans in music?

I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now: Writing all kinds of music for all kinds of people, and being able to make a living from it. So, I will keep on doing that.

But one of my plans now is to be able to pursue higher music education, whether it’s a master’s degree or a summer course in the US or in Europe, so I can come back to Indonesia to develop and to give back something to the Indonesian music industry and community.