Mana Arts presents SĀMOANA, an operatic event honouring Samoan resilience, at the Princess Alexandra Hall, Royal Over Seas League in London in November.
Sāmoana embodies the spirit of the Samoan islands, reflecting on their history from colonisation by Germany, the UK, and New Zealand, leading to the country’s independence in 1962.
Award-winning Samoan baritone Benson Wilson, now based in the UK, says, “Samoa is hosting the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This event, supported by the Royal Commonwealth Society, aims to share our music and culture.”
The program includes selections of German classical music, popular art songs, folk songs, and waiata Māori, celebrating over 60 years of Samoan independence and resilience.
Wilson adds, “This evening is a love letter to our land and history. My family was part of the Mau Movement for independence, and we want future generations to know our story.”
Joining Wilson are esteemed performers: sopranos Aivale Cole and Isabella Moore, dancer Hanalee Aroha Vaine, guitarist Alex Heather, and artist Luana Asiata.
