traditional music in the solomons

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

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.

Forgot to say, choirs like the one mentioned above sing a capella.

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.

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

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.

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.