Ambon’s music echoes through Daegu

On November 19, Daegu, a UNESCO City of Music, hosted a captivating performance by Archa, a folk music ensemble from Ambon, Indonesia.

Founded in 2021, Archa is a five-member ensemble from Ambon, Maluku, consisting of vocalists, bassists, and percussionists. Their performances revive ancient songs and spiritual sounds from various islands and villages in Maluku, under the theme “Sacred Harmony of Eastern Nusantara.”

The group aims to share the rich traditions of Maluku with younger generations and global audiences, conveying meaningful stories through ancient rain songs, war tales, and laments. These narratives convey cultural values that are at risk of being lost due to the pressures of modernization.

This performance was part of a cultural exchange between Daegu and Ambon, both UNESCO Creative Cities of Music. In addition to the concert, the event featured a collaborative performance with Daegu’s own music ensemble, Via Trio, highlighting the importance of this partnership.

During their visit, the performing group not only participated in the concert but also toured major cultural venues in Daegu, including the Daegu Concert House and the Daegu Arts Center, and attended a performance by the Daegu City Traditional Music Orchestra. This exchange is expected to further strengthen the cultural ties between the two cities.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Daegu continues to actively promote international artistic exchanges and is committed to fostering future cultural collaborations.