Bringing traditional Tongan music and performance to the modern world
Feohi’anga Alonga ‘ia Kalaisi Kava Collective group
25 June, 2023. Old musical sounds of Tonga featured last night, as a special event aims to revive traditional and contemporary music - paying tribute to both the past and present.
Members of the Feohi’anga Alonga ‘ia Kalaisi Kava Collective group - made up of 30 families - performed for the aptly named A Night of Tongan Classical Music, or Koe Po Hiva Tu’ufonua FakaTonga.
Show founder, Professor Okusitino Mahina, says their performance captures both Tongan vocal and instrumental issues.
“Tongan music is a living entity - changing and changing ceaselessly over time.
From garages, community and church halls and parks to theatre spaces,” Mahina said.
“It also intends to exhibit both the beauty and utility of Tongans by way of both process and outcome.”
Queen Salote was a talented poet and writer of songs; having composed many in her lifetime.
Among the performers is tenor Kelepi Tapa’atu, who says he wants to make sure that every item deeply resonates with the audience.
What makes traditional Tongan songs unique
“I want people to not only hear, but feel the story behind each song and performance.
“These songs were composed of true stories that I am proud of,” he said.
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“It’s important that this generation learns the beauty of how the traditional Tongan songs were composed by sung poetry and vocal instruments - and before lyrics were created.
“I hope this generation does not take us back to traditional music, but brings traditional music to the future.”
The group’s performances come as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra wraps up its first tour around this week.
Members of the orchestra visited the island kingdom this week to give workshops at a number of local schools.
They also performed a number of music extracts and demonstrations for local students; as well as playing alongside young musicians from Tupou College.
This weekend’s A Night of Tongan Classical Music follows the previously sold-out shows last year.
The show was held at the Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku - in South Auckland.
- New Zeland Herald
