Create a national youth orchestra with help from the country’s talented musicians.

It has been reported, today, that the Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare met with a group of local musicians and praised them for their effort in producing the ‘Iumi Tugeda’ campaign song.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare meeting with local musicians. Photo: Solomon Star.

The Prime Minister told the group that music is the universal language of the soul.

The same report cited the fact that the Solomon Islands have been known for producing some of the best and talented musicians in the region.

I agree that the Solomon Islands has talented musicians and the reason why I have several times suggested the creation of a national youth orchestra.

Youth members of the Piano Association of the Solomon Islands (PASI)

Last year, I helped to facilitate an Orchestral Ensemble, closely associated with the Commonwealth Institute in London to visit Honiara and to give practical training and music education to a group of talented young people that were members of the Piano Association of Solomon Islands (PASI)

During the training programme, several of the young musicians demonstrated their musical talents by playing at a public performance held in the St Barnabas Cathedral.

PASI member playing before an audience in St Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara

The local teachers and instructors of PASI carry out their work on a voluntary basis and I believe should have some government support for the work that they do to educate and train the young members of the Association.

PASI member receiving piano lessons.

Perhaps, the time is right, and encouraged by the Prime Minister’s recognition of music as “the universal language of the soul," for local support for PASI and consideration to the idea of a national youth orchestra.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

www.solomonislandsinfocus.com