Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# traditional music in the solomons Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
isherwood 06:03 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | I am an amateur ethnomusicologist and professional classical music singer looking for traditional music (especially singing) around the globe. Any suggestions about where I can find traditional music in the Solomons? I am, of course, NOT interested in tourist shows, resort presentations, etc. Thanks in advance! Nick |
ozziegiraffe 12:10 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | There are probably about 80 different types of traditional music as there are at least 80 different language/wantok groups. I know a wonderful choir in Malaita who have traditional music and language hymns written by their choir-master - they use their own language and idiom, as well as traditional tunes. This is the church choir at Ferasubua, in the Lau Lagoon. There are many groups, some much better-known than others, eg the pan-pipe band that has travelled all over the place. You would basically need to visit villages at the time of festivals to hear the real thing. | 1
ozziegiraffe 12:10 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | Forgot to say, choirs like the one mentioned above sing a capella. | 2
watsoff 17:45 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | You could try visiting Solomon Islands Broadcasting in Honiara to see what they might be able to do for you. They made a tape for me of tradition pan pipe music several years ago. | 3
isherwood 20:21 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | I am thinking more pan pipes than church choirs: pre-European influence, that is. The comment about villages at the times of festivals intrigues me, Giraffe, how can I do this? I shall be there August/September. Thanks! N | 4
watsoff 21:08 UTC 08 Jan 2009 | Ooops to the SIBC suggestion, they gave me a video of a particular event I was interested in. But they might be worth a try. The pan pipe music tape was made for me by the Catholic Communications Centre in Honiara. The pan pipe music is just that, no vocals. | 5
ozziegiraffe 13:05 UTC 09 Jan 2009 | The interesting thing about that choir is the only "European" influence is the subject matter (ie the Christian God). The tunes and the language and the harmonies are all traditional. I think you would have little chance of finding anything without some sort of Eurpoean influence. The Narasirato panpipers (the ones I mentioned above, that have become world-famous) have adapted for their international audience, compared to what I have seen in villages. 100 or so years of European contact means that there are few places that haven't been influenced in some way. What I particularly like about the Ferasubua choir is they actually sing the way their ancestors did. Every other singing group I have heard over 18 years has sung either attempting European style, or using European tunes. However, every cultural group also has custom dances with accompanying chants. | 6