DILI, 08 january 2026 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, hosted an enchanting piano and orchestra concert at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The event celebrated the nation’s extraordinary young musical talent and highlighted the promising future of Timor-Leste’s cultural landscape.
The concert featured remarkable performances by young pianists Solomon Bravery Hasudungan Horta and Teshan Singh Sidhu, alongside the Dom Bosco Youth Orchestra of Baucau and Berliku Fanu Rai Orchestra (BFR).
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 (born 10 August 2014) is a rising, multi-talented performer of Timorese and Indonesian heritage. An accomplished pianist, he has won multiple first-place and “Most Promising Pianist” awards at festivals across Northern Ireland. His talents extend to speech and drama, where he has earned top honours, and to screen, with appearances in BBC Teach films and the lead role in the Disney+ holiday short film The Boy and the Octopus, directed by Taika Waititi. Solomon is the son of Mr. Helio Dos Reis Horta, a Timorese photographer (and nephew of President J. Ramos-Horta) who studied his craft in Portugal before moving to the UK, with his wife Mrs. Maria Siahaan from Indonesia. The family now lives and works in Northern Ireland, UK. Solomon Horta’s rich multicultural background deeply informs his creative expression. Beyond the arts, he is an active sportsman in tennis and swimming. He is developing into a dedicated and well-rounded young artist.
𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐡𝐮 (11 years old), son of the Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, H.E. Dato’ Amarjit Singh Sarjit Singh. He began his piano studies just three months ago, initially learning on a keyboard. Despite his short period of training, he demonstrates notable interest, dedication, and enthusiasm. For this concert, he performed a set of four short, introductory pieces inspired by traditional and universally recognized melodies, offering the audience an accessible and charming musical interlude.
𝐎𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐮, is recognized as ambassador of a new musical generation, presenting a diverse repertoire that symbolizes the renewal and future of music in Timor-Leste. Founded in 2021 under the direction of Maestro Father Adérito Manuel Costa, the orchestra provides solid musical training to young talents at the Dom Bosco School of Music in Baucau. The ensemble is noted for its ability to interpret both classical repertoire and contemporary pieces, playing a significant role in promoting music and culture among Timorese youth.
𝐎𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐮 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐑𝐚𝐢 (𝐁𝐅𝐑), is a Timorese musical association founded in 2009 by Mr. Kiera Zen and formally recognized by the Ministry of Justice in 2010. The association plays a pivotal role in promoting traditional and contemporary music as a vehicle for cultural expression, youth empowerment, and community engagement. Its activities include operating a professional recording studio, providing training in music production and sound engineering, and organizing concerts, festivals, and educational programs.
The concert blended beloved international melodies with traditional Timorese music, reflecting the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
➤ Part I featured dynamic performances by the Dom Bosco Youth Orchestra of Baucau, Teshan Singh Sidhu’s piano selection, and a festive repertoire by the Berliko Fanu Rai Orchestra.
➤ Part II showcased the classical piano artistry of Solomon Horta, including two of his inspirational speeches, “This is Who You Are” and “The Hill We Climb,” and a screening of the Disney+ short film The Boy and the Octopus directed by acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker, Taika Waititi, in which Solomon Horta stars.
The concert concluded with an address by President J. Ramos-Horta, followed by the presentation of certificates to the performers, and a cocktail reception.
In his remarks, President J. Ramos-Horta stated: “Music is the universal language of peace and unity. In the harmony of piano and orchestra, we hear the sound of our nation’s future—a future built on the talent of our youth, the strength of our culture, and the shared rhythm of hope that beats in every Timorese heart.”
The concert successfully highlighted the depth and diversity of Timor-Leste’s emerging talent, serving as a powerful platform for cultural exchange and dialogue through the universal language of music.
TATOLI
