Concert brings Opera to Samoa

16 December 2016, 12:00AM

While we are all accustomed to the beautiful harmonies and choral works heard in churches and villages across Samoa, a different kind of vocal delight will be on show today in a concert featuring visiting Australian opera singer, Deborah Humble, Beatrice Carey and friends such as local pianist Seutatia Solomona-Aveau.

Deborah is in Samoa this week working with the National University Faculty of Education Music department providing workshops, master classes and modelling performance for the young and upcoming musicians. 

The week will culminate in a dazzling performance on Friday evening featuring some of the N.U.S music students and faculty. 

Deborah Humble is among the most highly requested dramatic mezzo-sopranos of our time, performing regularly on the world’s most prominent stages. 

Having performed with Samoa’s own prominent opera singer, Jonathan Lemalu, Deborah has come to know the wonderful potential of the Samoan people in the field of Opera and classical music. 

“It’s been a great honour to be involved with the Faculty of Education this week. Singing  is such an integral part of Samoan culture and making music together is such a marvellous way to foster inter-cultural relationships.”

The concert titled ‘Aria’ is being held in support of the U.N. women’s campaign to end violence against women. It is a celebration of women in music and spoken word. It will feature local performers such as Faamuamua Daisy Tauaanae and N.U.S English Professor Letuimanu’asina Dr. Emma Kruse-Vaai who will be reciting their own work and other well known works. 

 ‘Aria’ will also showcase Deborah alongside fellow musician and Cellist, Beatrice Carey. Beatrice is an Australian volunteer for International Development who has been working in Samoa with the National Orchestra and now the N.U.S music education department to support the development of young people learning orchestral instruments. Her assignment contributes to the ongoing efforts in training well qualified music teachers and in providing young Samoans with the same musical opportunities afforded to those overseas. 

 “We are thrilled that Deborah has chosen to give us her time and sees the great potential in working with young Samoan musicians. The students are thrilled that they’ve been given the opportunity to work with an artist of her calibre.”

One of the students, Christine Tiupita, who has been involved in the program this week could not be happier. “This is my first interaction with a professional opera singer. I’m just overwhelmed with what she’s bringing with her and what she’s doing for us. It has been a really motivating experience and so helpful in terms of technical help. It’s a blessing for us having people from outside working to be a part of our program. They’re actually investing in us in that sense.’

 

‘Aria’ is being held this Friday, 16th December 7pm at NUS Lecture Theatre, D201. Tickets are $20 available at the door. All are welcome.

16 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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