Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine February 2019 | Page 71

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Explore | Interview
CLARISSA TAMARA
RECORD-BREAKER
EYES WORLD STAGE
Interview by Yani Lauwoie
Instrumental Production Work in the World
Music/Instrumental category. “To be honest,
I didn’t know what AMI was because I was
still a 10-year-old kid. But I was definitely
happy to receive the awards,” she says.
How does the recognition affect her? While
acknowledging that early success heightens
pressure, Clarissa doesn’t see it as a burden.
“In fact, it encourages me to keep doing what
I am doing and to continue entertaining
Indonesian music lovers,” she answers.
Her reputation in the music world
was further advanced when Clarissa was
recorded by the Record Holders Republic
as the World’s Fastest Violinist on June 15
2013, playing ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ at
the mind-blowing speed of 273 beats per
minute in 49.42 seconds. Clarissa lists the
feat as the most memorable moment in
her still young career. “I was 14 years old
at the time, while the person who held
the title before me was a 33-year-old,”
she points out proudly.
Preparing for the performance was almost
unbearably tough; Clarissa forced herself
to practise six hours a day for 10 months
non-stop. “I also had to play the song three
times because I was so nervous. So, yeah,
it was very hard,” she recalls.
The 19-year-old from Jakarta has also
performed in numerous on-air and live
events in Indonesia and internationally,
including the annual ChildAid Asia
concerts held to raise funds to support
arts education for less-fortunate children.
“Through ChildAid Asia concerts, I have
met new friends from many countries
in Asia, and we collaborate to perform
for a good cause. Aside from what I learn
through collaborating, I also enjoy the fun
Entranced by music since before she could walk, Clarissa
was only 14 when she was named the world’s fastest violinist.
moments we share,” said Clarissa,
who performed in Japan, Singapore
and Malaysia for ChildAid Asia.
Her talent has also been recognised with
a full-tuition scholarship at the University
of North Texas in the United States,
where she is pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in violin performance.
“At the moment I am focusing on my
studies. I hope I can continue to study
towards a doctoral degree. But I am also
planning to continue my career as a soloist
and orchestra player. I have dreamed of
being an international musician since I was
a child, so I will work hard to achieve that,”
says Clarissa, who lists American violinist
Hilary Hahn among her influences.
During our interview, Clarissa, who often
travels with Garuda Indonesia, shared her
opinion about the flight experience. “I am
always satisfied every time I fly with Garuda.
I love its services, from the check-in to the
friendliness of the cabin crew. I also love the
taste of the Indonesian in-flight meals,” she
said as the interview wound to a close.