Savai'i request own orchestra

13 July 2017, 12:00AM

(National Orchestra of Samoa )The National Orchestra of Samoa as part of its capacity building and promotional activities toured Savaii on June 26 to 30 to conduct awareness programmes in schools. 

The Orchestra performed and entertained through educational recitals and presentations for Iva Primary School, Amoa College, Mata’aevave College, Sapapalii Primary, Lalomalava Primary and Safotulafai Primary. 

They also performed at the Sapapalii EFKS Church on Wednesday 28 June.  

As a result, the school principals, teachers, parents and the village Matais requested that Savaii must also have an orchestra. 

“I have witnessed something quite new and exciting for our students and the whole of Savaii. 

So what’s good for Upolu is also good for Savaii” said Mrs. Kamisi Tavita the principal of Sapapali’i Primary School.

Since its establishment in 2013, the orchestra has gone through some speedy transformations through assistance of volunteers and professional musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Wellington Sistema and the Australian Volunteer Programme.

“Nothing is impossible. To make this work in Savaii and Upolu, we need just enough time to develop section by section of the orchestra and have resources to fund both orchestras” said Fonoti P.J. Ieriko the Orchestra Director. The National Orchestra is now in preparation for M.E.S.C.’s invitation to perform for the 13 Days of Christmas on December 14, 2017. 

They will perform Fonoti P.J. Ieriko’s new Christmas compositions and new arrangements to some of Samoa’s favourite Christmas hymns.

“There is so much support for the growth of the orchestra and music education today not only from Government from our development partners as well. 

I have confidence we can do justice to this national investment through strengthening the linkages with our schools and our local musicians” said Tuumatavai Peone Fuimaono-Solomona the A.C.E.O. for Culture Division which the National Orchestra is a part of.

13 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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