Annissa Wulan
Apr 27, 2026
In a city where culture is part of everyday life, Yogyakarta recently welcomed a musical experience that felt both intimate and unforgettable. As part of Francophonie Week 2026, Institut Français Indonesia (IFI) Yogyakarta, together with Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta, presented “Avec le Temps”—a special concert featuring Tunisian musicians Dorsaf Hamdani and Zied Zouari.
Held at the elegant Eboni Bar & Lounge, the evening wasn’t just about music—it was about feeling, connection, and quiet moments that stayed with you long after the last note faded.
When Two Worlds Meet on One Stage
Inspired by Avec le Temps, the timeless piece by Léo Ferré, the concert brought together French and Arabic songs in a way that felt natural and deeply emotional. There was no sense of contrast or competition—just harmony.
Dorsaf Hamdani’s voice carried a soft intensity, while Zied Zouari’s violin and piano added layers of depth and warmth. Even if you didn’t understand every word, it didn’t matter. The emotions came through clearly, filling the room in a way that felt personal for each listener.
As the duo expressed, music doesn’t always need translation—it simply needs to be felt.
A Space That Reflects the Spirit of the Night
The choice of venue added another layer to the experience. Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta, known for its philosophy of “tentrem” or tranquility, felt like the perfect setting for a night built on harmony.
According to Christoporus Yulianto, the hotel’s Corporate General Manager, “tentrem” is about bringing different elements together—cultures, ideas, and expressions—and letting them exist side by side in balance. That spirit was present throughout the evening.
Guests also enjoyed a curated wine and cheese selection, allowing the night to unfold slowly. It wasn’t rushed—it was meant to be savored, just like the music itself.
More Than Language, It’s About Connection
While Francophonie Week is often associated with celebrating the French language, for IFI Yogyakarta, it goes beyond that. As shared by Margaux Nemmouchi, the focus is on connection—bringing together cultures that may seem different, yet share common ground.
“Avec le Temps” captured that idea beautifully. It showed how music can become a meeting point, where differences fade, and understanding grows naturally.
This cultural exchange didn’t stop at that stage. After the concert, the artists met with Indonesian performance icon Didik Nini Thowok, creating a quiet but meaningful dialogue between Tunisian music and Indonesian artistry.
A Night That Lingers
Supported by the French and Tunisian Embassies in Indonesia, the concert felt like more than just a program—it was an experience that stayed with its audience.
In a world that often focuses on differences, “Avec le Temps” offered something simpler and more genuine: a reminder that when we truly listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts—we can understand each other in ways words sometimes cannot.
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
Jl. P. Mangkubumi No.72A, Yogyakarta
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