BEIJING – The Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST) has once again brought Indonesia to the world stage. The young Indonesian orchestra won the Exemplary Orchestra Award, the highest honor at the International Youth Orchestra Art Week & the 15th Soong Ching Ling International Exchange Camp, held in Beijing, China, from July 18–23, 2026.
This achievement was achieved thanks to the captivating performance of 60 young TRUST musicians under the direction of Music Director and Resident Conductor Dr. Nathania Karina. The quality of TRUST’s symphonic arrangements received praise from the jury and international audience.
The festival, themed “Youth Symphony · Global Resonance,” was attended by 25 orchestras from various countries, including China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Bulgaria. In addition to competitions, the event also featured concerts, workshops, music lectures, and international cultural exchanges.
Following its achievements at the international event, TRUST returned to perform at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration event held by the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Beijing at the Century Theater in Beijing on Friday (July 24, 2026).
Themed “A Musical Tapestry of the Archipelago,” TRUST performed a number of Indonesian songs arranged by a symphony orchestra, including Sirih Kuning (Yellow), Yamko Rambe Yamko (Yellow), Anging Mammiri (Anging Mammiri), Rasa Sayange (Janger), Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops), and the Chinese song Jasmine Flower (Mo Li Hua).
The performance was made even more special by the collaboration with local Chinese musicians playing the traditional Erhu and Pipa instruments. The combination of Western symphonic music, the rich tones of the Indonesian archipelago, and traditional Chinese instruments created a captivating cross-cultural performance.
One piece that received special attention was the Acehnese folk song “Bungong Jeumpa.” This song was TRUST’s standout work during their Beijing performance and earned them the highest honor, the Exemplary Orchestra Award.
The Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to China and Mongolia, Dr. Irene, praised TRUST’s performance, which she considered effective in introducing Indonesia’s rich culture to the world.
“TRUST has demonstrated the Indonesian spirit, Indonesian hospitality, and the richness of Indonesian culture through music,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nathania Karina said the award is a great motivation for all TRUST members to continue bringing Indonesian music to the international stage.
“We are proud to be able to bring the color of Indonesian music, especially the song Bungong Jeumpa, to the world stage and celebrate Independence Day with the Indonesian diaspora in Beijing,” she said.
TRUST is a non-profit youth orchestra community under the auspices of Trinity Optima Production. The orchestra is led by Yonathan Nugroho as Chairman and Dr. Nathania Karina as Music Director and Resident Conductor. TRUST has previously achieved international success, including winning the 2024 Outstanding Young Performer award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in England and the 2025 Gold Medal at the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, Austria.
Daffa Ibrahim
