Soma Children's Orchestra and Chorus

Children from two remote countries – Japan and Angola – were blessed with an opportunity to get together and play in an orchestra in Fukushima and Tokyo, Japan, this month. The children from both countries are members of the orchestras nurtured by the El Sistema-inspired music education programs. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Friends of El Sistema Japan launched the Soma Children’s Orchestra in 2013 to equip children in the disaster-affected areas with life skills through music. Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra, on the other hand, started off from the Kaposoka Music School project in 2008 with an aim to support children and youths from poor families in the Samba District of Luanda, Angola, where the aftermaths of colonization and the civil war still impede steady development.  

“Soma has a small town feeling. Air is very fresh here”, said Lourdes, a 19-year old violist, upon arrival in Soma, which is a home ground to the Soma Children’s Orchestra. “I am excited about making new friends because it is fun to play with children from other countries”, commented Katia, an 18-year old violist, with a look of expectancy. The children of Soma and Kaposoka spent only a short time on joint rehearsals but played “Divertimento in D Major, K.136” by Mozart and “Canon in D Major” by Pachelbel in total synchronization. Kazuki, a junior high school bassist, commented, “The way our Angolan peers played music made us smile naturally”. At the end of the concert, the Soma children gave the Soma Children’s Orchestra’s original T-shirts to the Kaposoka children as a token of friendship. Then, the Kaposoka children in turn shared a “gift of music” by playing “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The Soma children sparkled their eyes at the performance, relating themselves to brave pirates who fight against obstacles and open up a new horizon. 

A week later, the Soma and Kaposoka children met in Tokyo for the second round. This time the Kaposoka children attended a rehearsal with the Soma Children’s Orchestra’s T-shirts on. Despite the language barrier, the children from two countries tried to communicate with each other proactively by tapping out the rhythm and conveying messages with gestures. It was clear that they have been brought closer and closer in the process of performing, sharing and creating music together, and, yes, it was culminated when they played “Divertimento in D Major, K.136” on stage. The children demonstrated that there exists no border where music is shared. As they played the final chords, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheering with a feeling of unity created by the power of music.

After the concert, the children of Soma and Kaposoka exchanged messages. “I was very happy to play with the friends from Angola today”, said Keigo, a junior high school cellist. Felix, the conductor, then responded with a great smile, “Japan is a wonderful country. Next time, come to Angola, and let’s play Angolan music together”. The children from two countries seem to have become one and continue to be Goodwill Ambassadors.

Thanks to your generous support, we can deliver great programs to children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. We believe our programs have greatly benefited and will keep benefiting them. We will stick to the policy of making music education available to any child who wishes, regardless of his or her family background, disabilities and nationality. We greatly appreciate your harmonious support in all our endeavors. Thank you!