Faculty of Education students of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) showcased their unique talents at the Beautiful September 2023 Concert.

Held last week at the Samoa Arts and Cultural Centre in Malifa, which was sold out three days prior to the concert, the performance vitalised the essence of talent, music as well and performing arts.

The annual celebration continued to expound on the importance of music and arts development in the education system and was inspired by the unrelenting legacy of Samoa’s premier musician and music educator, the late Ueta Mata’utia Pene Solomona. The late maestro returned home after serving the Pacific for 30 years at the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) and founded the National Orchestra and Choir of Samoa in 2006.

In 2012 the first Beautiful September Concert was staged by faithful friends, family and students of the music maestro in celebration of his 77^th birthday. A year later, Beautiful September officially became an annual fixture on the university's calendar.

By then Ueta Solomona had become a volunteer staff with the N.U.S. Faculty of Education assisting in the teacher training program for music and expressive arts. 

This year the 176 stars of the night included N.U.S. students in dance and music from foundation, primary and early childhood studies. The Samoa Police Band, guest dance tutors Elina Bishop-Von Reiche of O Tahiti Ori Samoa, Fane Taungakava and Sonatane Vahaakolo, the Nga Reo O Kaitaia College and the Kaitaia College Jazz Waka from Aotearoa New Zealand and Cindy of Samoa were also part of the production.

The repertoire began with stirring chants of the Samoan culture, contemporary and Pacific dances of Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga, classical music performed by the US Pacific Fleet Wind Quintet, collaborative chamber orchestra of the N.U.S. Foafoa Strings Ensemble, the Samoa Police band and the US Pacific Fleet Wind Quintet. 

Both the wind quintet and the touring college group from New Zealand were in Samoa visiting schools and ended their respective tours of Samoa as performing guests in Beautiful September. 

The entirety of Beautiful September was bonded by the collective backgrounds of music education by leading musicians, artists and teachers whose expertise provided the platform for students and teacher-trainees to learn and thrive.

"Did a superb event last night. I laughed, I cried, I reflected during the chants, and I moved in time to the melodies, the harmonies and the dance pieces. Thank you for keeping the music real, alive, authentic and engaging," said the Founder of Samoana Jazz Peta Si’ulepa.

The presence of New Zealand-based Samoan composer and educator, Matatumua Dr. Opeloge Apulu Ah Sam and the US Pacific Fleet Wind Quintet certainly supported the cause for improved music and expressive arts education as they all hold multiple music and education degrees. 

Their work with the N.U.S. music and dance courses provided space for growth and cultural exchange with the promise of future collaborations.

The management of the N.U.S. as well as the Faculty of Education, the teaching staff and the performers of Beautiful September 2023 expressed their gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Apia, Samoa Police Band, friends, families and the general public for their support toward another successful Beautiful September.