The Story of Astoria
Astoria derives from the meaning of star, a symbol of light, hope, and the potential that every child possesses. As a music and arts festival, Astoria provides a platform for young people to express their creativity, develop their talents, and find the courage to shine through their work.
We believe that every child possesses unique potential that can grow when given the space to learn, perform, and be appreciated.
Vision
- To be a music and arts festival that supports the development of children's and young people's talents.
- To build a supportive, inspiring, and appreciative community for creativity and growth.
- To utilize art and creativity as a means to have a positive impact on society.
Mission
- Providing an educational, creative, and meaningful festival experience for participants and their families.
- Providing a space for children to learn, perform, and develop their skills with confidence.
- Connecting young talents with communities, mentors, and a positive environment.
- Distributing a portion of event proceeds to organizations in need as a form of social responsibility and a tangible contribution to others.
Dear Parents, Participants, and Friends,
Through the Astoria Music & Art Festival, we believe that music and art are not only meant to be celebrated, but also shared as a blessing to others.
A portion of our festival profit will be donated to support Taman Baca in Sumba and Papua, where many children continue to pursue their dreams despite limited access to books and educational facilities. Their love for learning reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can create a lasting impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Through your participation, music and art become more than performances — they become a source of hope for children across Indonesia. Together, let's use our talents to bless others. ✨📚🎶🎨
The Hearts Behind Astoria
Astoria is a labor of love, born from a shared vision of nurturing creativity and giving back to the community. Meet the visionaries making this journey possible.
Michelle Efferin
Founder & Principal, M.E Music Centre | Jazz Pianist | Passionate Educator | Next Gen Ministry Leader
Michelle Efferin is a passionate music educator, jazz pianist, and leader dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of musicians. She is the founder and principal of M.E Music Centre in Bandung, Indonesia—a thriving music school established in 2006, now home to over 500 students. In addition to her work in music education, Michelle has also served as the Next Gen Pastor of IFGF Bandung.
Michelle began her classical piano journey at the age of four and completed her ABRSM Grade 8 by seventeen. She holds a Bachelor of Music Performance in Contemporary Piano from the Australian Institute of Music and studied under prominent jazz musicians such as Sean Coffin, Dave McRae, and Greg Coffin. Her musical training also includes a Jazz Improvisation course at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and leadership studies at Hillsong College.
In 2004, she shared the stage with Indonesia’s jazz legend Bubbi Chan in a memorable concert performance. Since returning to Indonesia in 2006, Michelle has actively contributed to the jazz scene, performing at renowned events including Java Jazz Festival (2007–2009).
A certified trainer and official representative of Encore Music Education since 2009, Michelle is committed to raising the standard of music education through masterclasses, teacher training, and school consultations across Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia. She is especially known for her innovative and student-centered approach—fusing classical technique with contemporary musical expression to make learning both meaningful, fun and inspiring.
Rosalynd
Artist - Art Educator - Art Juror - Founder of Rosa Art Center
Art has been her first language since childhood. She’s a daughter of a jazz musician and began teaching art in 1995. That early start taught her one thing she still believes today, that everyone deserves a solid foundation and the freedom to explore.
Rosa is originally from Medan, where culture and education still follow strict traditions. She heard Bandung was a creative city and decided to visit. Her first visit was in 2011 and promised to return.
At the end of 2012, she received a scholarship to study at Mesa Art Center in Arizona, USA, but was denied a student visa by the U.S. Embassy. Without hesitation, she left her family, friends, and art students in Medan and moved to Bandung in 2013. Not knowing anyone and family there, she wandered around searching for an artist community to learn from.
At the same year in 2013, an experience in Bandung changed everything. The painting class she took taught her with the “paint-by-numbers” method, colors straight from the tube, and using low-grade materials. That learning experience showed her, students deserve art education with higher standards and good quality materials. Then in 2014, she and her husband, Brett Badenoch, also an artist who has exhibited at art festivals across the United States, built an art school that provides both.
Her training & lineage
- ● 2012 (Mark Boyle, USA): Quick landscape and color theory study. This became her foundation in color.
- ● 2013 (Bandung): Introduced to a “paint-by-numbers” method instead of learning to see and understand colors.
- ● 2017 (Richard Lim, Singapore): Intensive private still-life study focused on glass, ceramic, and plastic, learning how light actually behaves on different surfaces.
- ● 2020 (Bill McLane, USA): Training in color, composition, light & shadow, brushwork, and expressive freedom. This became the foundation of her curriculum.
- ● 2025 (USA): Plein air painting and learning alongside senior artists, including Mark Boyle and Marcie Ward. Mentorship became collaboration.
- ● 2026 (Illi Haruni, USA): After reviewing her work, he said, “Next time you’re in the States, skip my class, let’s just go paint together.” she’s honored, but she still believes there’s more to learn.
“Art, for me, is both a discipline and a dialogue. And I continue to share with every student who walks through our doors.”
— Rosa —
Margareth Suherman
Landscape, Event, and Children Photographer
Margareth Suherman is a Bandung-based photographer whose works explore light, emotion, nature, and quiet everyday moments. Through her photography, she seeks to capture wonder in both grand landscapes and small details often overlooked in daily life.
Inspired by storytelling, atmosphere, and the beauty of natural light, her images aim to evoke warmth, reflection, and imagination. In “Light & Wonder,” she presents a collection of photographs that celebrate the poetic connection between light, emotion, and the world around us.
Starting to experiment with photography since a 3rd grader, and learned the basics of Photography in 1993 when she joined the Phorography club at Rangoon Secondary School under the mentoring of a SIngapore award winning Photograher, Mr. Patrick Ee Hon Teck. She has won numerous photography competitions during her secondary school days and was an active photographer of the school’s yearbook team.
Now as an active contributor of IFGF Bandung photography Department, and has been an active contributor in CBCS school media department. She loves capturing candid moments and tell a story in a frame, but doing it is artistic way. Other than that, she is also a travel enthusiast, nature lover and loves taking landscape photograpy. Hiking at dawn, chasing the sunrise (or sunsets), milky way trails, capturing and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
1993 - 1998:
- ● Mentored by Singapore award winning photogpher, Mr. Patrick Ee Hon Teck.
- ● Rangoon Secondary School Photography Club.
- ● Active contributor of the school media department.
- ● Won numerous Junior category photography competitions , won 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and consolation prizes.
2010 - now:
- ● IFGF Bandung photography department contributor.
- ● Taught basic photography class for teens at IFGF Bandung.
- ● CBCS photography contributor (until 2025).
- ● PAF Bandung (Perhimpunan Amatir Foto) Member since 2025.