Addie Muljadi Sumaatmadja

Addie MS

Addie MS’s grandfather, Mohammad Soesilo, was a respected figure in the field of urban planning during his time. He was one of the key urban planners behind the development of Kebayoran Baru, a landmark district in Jakarta known for its thoughtful layout and modernist design — an achievement that reflects his visionary approach to civic planning in post-independence Indonesia. Beyond his contribution to architecture and planning, Mohammad Soesilo was also an amateur violinist, with a deep appreciation for classical music and artistic discipline. This rare combination of technical intellect and artistic sensitivity created a lasting legacy in the family, nurturing a culture of excellence, structure, and creativity. From him, Addie inherited not only a passion for music but also a strong sense of discipline and dedication, traits that became the backbone of his career as a renowned conductor and musical innovator. Soesilo’s influence can be seen in Addie’s commitment to quality, his meticulous orchestral arrangements, and his lifelong mission to elevate Indonesian music to the global stage."

Addie MS completed his high school education at SMA Negeri 3 Jakarta, a well-regarded public school known for its academic rigour and strong student culture. After high school, he pursued higher education in Economics, enrolling at both Trisakti University and later Krisnadwipayana University. Although he did not complete his degree at Krisnadwipayana University, his time in university coincided with the formative years of his music career. During this period, his passion for music grew stronger, ultimately leading him to follow an unconventional path — choosing to focus entirely on composition, arranging, and orchestral work, which later defined his legacy in Indonesia’s music industry.

Addie MS began his professional music career in 1979 as an arranger and music producer, working with some of Indonesia’s most iconic artists such as Vina Panduwinata, Chrisye, Ebiet G. Ade, Utha Likumahuwa and even collaborating with internationally acclaimed composer David Foster and Suzanne Ciani. His innovative arrangements and meticulous production style quickly earned him recognition in the Indonesian music industry. In 1983, he reached a significant international milestone when he was assigned to be the arranger and conductor for an Indonesian song at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, which gave him a strong determination to be a musician. Building on these experiences, Addie and his patron Indra U. Bakrie and his friend Oddie Agam went on to found Twilite Orchestra in 1991, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at popularising orchestral music in Indonesia. Under his leadership, the orchestra has flourished for over three decades and remains active today, known for its fusion of classical and contemporary elements, educational outreach, and high-caliber performances both locally and internationally.

Addie MS is the founder and leader of Twilite Orchestra, one of Indonesia’s foremost symphony orchestras, which he established in 1991 to bring orchestral music closer to the wider public and bridge the gap between classical and popular genres. Alongside this, he also manages Twilite Chorus, a professional vocal ensemble known for its collaborations in symphonic productions, and leads Light Ministry Orchestra, a developmental programme aimed at nurturing young musical talent across Indonesia, founded by Edmund Oey, Maddison Kurniawan and Celine Handoko. Through these three entities, Addie has built a lasting institution dedicated not only to musical excellence but also to education, youth development, and the long-term growth of Indonesia’s orchestral music scene.

National and folk song symphonic album “Simfoni Negeriku” and "The Sounds of Indonesia"; film scores (Biola Tak Berdawai, Dealova, Cinta Pertama); anthems & theme songs for institutions and companies.

Music education through school/university concerts (Musicademia), founded Twilite Youth Orchestra, guest lectures/workshops at ITB, UPH, Prasetiya Mulya, Sampoerna, BUMN, Mandiri, BRI and many more on leadership; fund management during COVID.

3× Golden Trophy BASF Awards (1980s), Golden/Silver Records, 2004 Bandung Film Festival, Golden Conductor Award, Diamond Achievement (De Beers), Metronome Award, AMI Lifetime Achievement 2024, Indosat, NET TV 2015, and many more.

One of Addie MS’s most profound and meaningful achievements is the 1997 orchestral recording of “Indonesia Raya,” the national anthem of Indonesia, which was officially released in 1998. This historic project not only elevated the anthem through a powerful symphonic recording but also symbolised a moment of national pride and unity during a pivotal era in Indonesia’s history. The recording has since become a defining reference for ceremonial and state events. Another landmark accomplishment came in the early 2010s, when Addie took on the ambitious task of arranging regional Indonesian folk songs into full orchestral compositions. This project culminated around 2011, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia through symphonic interpretations of traditional melodies from across the archipelago. By blending classical music techniques with indigenous musical heritage, Addie MS contributed significantly to the preservation and global appreciation of Indonesia’s cultural identity.

Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia & basic English (enough for international career)

Music

A defining turning point in Addie MS’s life came shortly after high school, when he made the courageous decision to pursue a career in music, going against the expectations of his family who had envisioned a more conventional professional path for him. Choosing passion over certainty, Addie immersed himself in the world of composition, arrangement, and orchestral music, often self-taught and self-driven. Years later, at the age of 35, he set his sights on an ambitious and unconventional dream: to establish a full-fledged symphony orchestra in Indonesia — something many believed would not survive in a market dominated by pop music. Despite widespread skepticism from his peers and the industry at large, he remained steadfast. With unwavering determination, vision, and relentless effort, he founded Twilite Orchestra, which not only survived but became a national institution. These two moments — defying familial and societal doubt to follow his true calling, and building something lasting in the face of resistance — remain the most personal and transformative chapters in his journey.

One of the Music Directors of 2018 Asian Games, 2021 National Paralympics, collaborations with official international concerts such as Genshin and La La Land in Jakarta and many more.

Addie MS believes that the core of his success lies in a few timeless principles that have guided him throughout his life and career. First and foremost is the importance of humility and a lifelong willingness to learn — he approaches every stage of life with what he calls an “empty glass,” always ready to absorb new knowledge regardless of past achievements. He also emphasises the value of managing life with intention, including personal discipline, emotional balance, and the ability to build and maintain meaningful networks. At the heart of his relationships, both personal and professional alike, is trust, which he considers essential and non-negotiable. Addie is deeply committed to being genuine and authentic, values he sees as increasingly vital for the younger generation navigating a fast-changing world. For those at a crossroads, he advises moving forward only with clear calculation and a strong foundation, reminding others that dreams should be pursued not only with courage but also with structure, strategy, and resilience.

www.youtube.com/c/ADDIEMS999

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.