Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta – An elegant atmosphere infused with the spirit of women’s emancipation characterized the Warawaditra concert presented by the Women Orchestra Concert – Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Held at Sasana Hinggil Dwi Abad, the concert was organized to commemorate Kartini Day, featuring a predominantly female lineup of musicians on a grand stage that blended music, culture, and aesthetics. The concert was attended by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and his Queen, GKR Hemas.
This concert served as a special occasion showcasing the musical prowess of women through a diverse repertoire. Solo performances—including violin, trumpet, guitar, piano, and vocal solos—were presented in succession, harmoniously blending with the orchestral arrangements by the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra and the choral performances by the Yogyakarta Royal Choir. Moreover, Javanese traditional elements were incorporated through the performance of Cokekan Putri Kawedanan Kridhamardawa, enriching the concert’s atmosphere.
As a concert centered on the theme of women, Warawaditra not only showcased musical excellence but also presented captivating visuals. One of the standout moments was the display of diverse traditional Javanese attire, highlighting cultural richness while reinforcing the message about women’s identity and role in preserving traditions.
The audience’s enthusiasm was evident in their high appreciation for every performance. One guest, the Student Queen from Medan, shared her impressions: “This is my first time watching the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra live, and it was fantastic. There was a fashion show featuring a wide variety of traditional Javanese attire—it was spectacular. Then there were the musicians’ performances; I was amazed by the violin solo—it was the first time I’d seen a violinist that talented.”
Behind the grandeur of the performance, concert preparations were carried out in a relatively short yet intensive timeframe. Conductor Nyi ML Dwijashintawati explained, “Warawaditra was presented to commemorate Kartini Day. Tonight we performed 10 pieces. Preparations took about seven days, followed by a dress rehearsal. This special Warawaditra concert for an orchestra featuring string, wind, and percussion sections is the second of its kind.”
Furthermore, she added that the concert format was different the previous year, focusing on a wind orchestra held at Mandala Sana. This demonstrates the evolving musical dynamics and exploration of the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra in presenting fresh and relevant performances.
Through the Warawaditra concert, Yogyakarta once again reaffirmed its position as a cultural city capable of blending traditional values and a modern spirit on a single stage. This year’s Kartini Day celebration served not only as a reflection of women’s struggles but also as a platform to celebrate the increasingly strong and inspiring role of women in the world of art and culture.