Polyphonia Orchestra from Reunion Island visits Namibia as part of their tour in southern Africa for a unique night of classical music.

Polyphonia orchestra is a group of student musicians from Reunion, representative of its island by its plurality and diversity. The orchestra has visited numerous countries around the world, and is now doing a Southern African tour through Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

The sound palette of this atypical band combines accordion, chord, woodwind instruments, brass, keyboards and percussion, creating a very original and diverse repertoire.

The Polyphonia Orchestra will team up with local talent from the Youth Orchestras of Namibia (YONA). YONA is inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema, which has been activating social change through music since 1975. YONA has the vision to transform the lives of youth through music.  YONA’s mission is to provide an intensive music program that develops a sense of belonging, teaches the importance of teamwork and a strong work ethic, and promotes self-confidence and good citizenship. The overarching principle is to advance children first and music second.

The two student orchestras will be performing the piece “Tangeni learns’’ by Namibian composer Engelhardt #Unaeb.

This visit forms part of a cultural exchange program between the region of Reunion and Namibia, to ensure learning through enjoying music and getting to know other cultures.