Protestant Choirs Prepare for Easter Convention
- LIFOU, New caledonia – Teh Kumo tribe in northern Lifou is gearing up to host the annual protestant Easter Convention on april 19 and 20, a spiritual gathering...
- As dusk settles, the sounds of choral practice fill the air across Lifou.
- “we rehearse almost every night of the week, striving to sing together in perfect harmony, measure by measure,” said Paul Kazone, a musician assisting one of the choirs.
lifou Prepares for Protestant Easter Convention with Island-Wide Choirs
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LIFOU, New caledonia – Teh Kumo tribe in northern Lifou is gearing up to host the annual protestant Easter Convention on april 19 and 20, a spiritual gathering highlighted by its highly anticipated choir competition.
Island Voices Rise in Song
As dusk settles, the sounds of choral practice fill the air across Lifou. Parish choirs have been diligently rehearsing for weeks in preparation for the convention’s centerpiece event.
“we rehearse almost every night of the week, striving to sing together in perfect harmony, measure by measure,” said Paul Kazone, a musician assisting one of the choirs. The Luengöni parish holds its rehearsals with particular dedication, having been selected as one of only five tribes to compete in the prestigious choral competition.
Tradition Echoes Through Generations
The same fervent dedication resonates in Xepenehe, in the northern region of Drehu. Ther,faithful singers,guided by thier choir leader,are preparing to showcase their talents. Their chosen piece is the “DO,” a polyphonic style of song rooted in the island’s early evangelization. “The Do is a classic song form,” explained Aïé Kuiesine, referencing its similarity to the familiar “do re mi fa sol.”
More than 175 years after the arrival of missionaries, the tradition of singing remains a vibrant and integral part of religious life on Lifou. “This convention is a time for exchange, expressed through song and the ‘do’,” said Jana Walaboa, a choir member. “It’s also a way to demonstrate our faith.” The choral competition is scheduled for Saturday of Easter weekend, and until then, Lifou will continue to resonate with the sounds of its dedicated choirs.
Mainland Preparations Underway
The spirit of the convention extends beyond Lifou. Protestants from Grande Terre, including those from Drehu, view the event as an significant possibility for fellowship. In Nouméa, young people from Kumo have been meeting at the ecumenical Rivière-Salée church – which welcomes both Catholics and Protestants – since February. They, too, are preparing their performances for the traditional choral competition.
Léo Sakilia, the song manager within the Amicale, discussed the preparations in an interview.
Protestant Easter Convention in Lifou: A Q&A Guide
Q: What is the Protestant Easter Convention in Lifou all about?
A: The Protestant Easter Convention is an annual spiritual gathering held in Lifou, New Caledonia. ItS hosted by the Teh Kumo tribe in northern Lifou and is scheduled for April 19 and 20. A major highlight of the convention is the highly anticipated choir competition.
Q: What makes the choir competition so special?
A: The choir competition is the central focus of the convention. Parish choirs from across Lifou have been preparing for weeks to showcase their talents. The Luengöni parish is one of five tribes competing.
Q: How are the choirs preparing for the competition?
A: Choirs are diligently rehearsing almost every night of the week, working to sing in perfect harmony.
Q: What role does tradition play in the choir performances?
A: Tradition is deeply rooted in the performances. The “Do,” a polyphonic style of song, is a classic song form that is featured, and reflects the island’s early evangelization. The tradition of singing has been a vibrant part of religious life on Lifou for more than 175 years.
Q: What is the importance of the “Do” song form?
A: The “Do” is a classic song form, similar to “do re mi fa sol,” providing a sense of familiarity and heritage for the singers and listeners.
Q: What are people saying about the convention and the role of music?
A: Jana Walaboa,a choir member,states that the convention is “a time for exchange,expressed through song and the ‘do’.” She adds that it is indeed also “a way to demonstrate our faith.”
Q: Does the convention involve more than just Lifou?
A: Yes, the spirit of the convention extends beyond Lifou. Protestants from Grande Terre,including those from Drehu,view the event as an chance for fellowship.
Q: Are there any preparations happening on the mainland (Grande Terre)?
A: Yes, young people from Kumo have been meeting in Nouméa at the ecumenical Rivière-Salée church as February, preparing for the choral competition. This church welcomes both Catholics and Protestants.
Q: What is the role of the song manager in preparations?
A: Leo Sakilia, the song manager within the Amicale, is involved in the preparations, including in the interview discussing the preparations.
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