Erlinda Sofyan
I am a composer, musician, and researcher from Aceh, Indonesia, dedicated to using music as a tool for peace and cultural preservation.
My work includes creating and arranging musical compositions. My orchestral concert Sultan Iskandar Muda (2014) expressed my love for local heroes and my longing for justice, while my "Denting Damai" (Chime of Peace) concert (2015) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Aceh peace agreement. I also compose music for children, with my song "Away" (2019) specifically written to empower children from remote and former conflict areas.
My latest work is "Cakra Suara," inspired by the historical Cakra Donya Bell. This piece explores cross-cultural friendship and was recently performed live at the Indonesia Bertutur 2024 Mega Festival.
I also actively conduct research on traditional Acehnese vocals and how they can be combined with electronic music. In 2025, I published an article on this topic, identifying unique vocal characteristics that I am now developing into an electronic album. Through this fusion of traditional and modern elements, I aim to show how a culture's historical narrative can become a powerful force for harmony and reconciliation.
Indonesia
Primary Discipline
music performance/composition
Secondary Discipline
music studies (ethno/musicology, theory)
Primary Affiliation
Composer and Researcher from Aceh, Indonesia
Secondary Affiliation
Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh
I am a composer, researcher, and lecturer at the Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh. My passion is to explore and re-create traditional Acehnese music. Through my works, such as the concerts 'Sultan Iskandar Muda,' 'Denting Damai,' and 'Cakra Suara,' I aim to show how music can be a powerful medium for preserving history and bridging cultures. I am currently conducting a research project titled "Acehnese Vocals in the Nyawoeng Album: A Legacy of Peace," which is set to be published in early 2026. This research strengthens my belief that cultural and artistic narratives play a crucial role in reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts. Available for: Project Collaboration, Research Consulting, Writing/Speaking, Performing, Organizing Workshops, Education Consulting, Composition/Songwriting, Digital Project Consulting