Cover Photo: PASEFIKA VITORIA CHOIR members take a quick selfie before taking to the stage at Melbourne Immigration Museum’s ‘Aotearoa Fest’ in October 2016. (Photo: Asalemo Tofete 2016).
In April 2016, PICAA made a call-out for interested singers wanting to promote Pasefika music in Melbourne. The call was answered by 17 Pasefika singers, and thus PASEFIKA VITORIA CHOIR was born! With an exciting opportunity given by The National Gallery of Victoria to open up the Pacific Exhibition, the choir got stuck into rehearsals! Since then, PASEFIKA VITORIA has performed at various events around Melbourne and will continue to do so for as long as they can.
Led by music director Rita Seumanutafa and Steve Tafea, the choir performs a mix of Pasefika songs and medleys that embody Samoan, Tongan, Rarotongan, Maori and Tokelauan languages – with many other Pasefika language songs to come in future performances.
Our 2018 choir members are:
Rita Seumanutafa (Choir Director) Maritah Enosa, Lavinia Enosa, Bessie Faaaifili, Delsa Tuitea, Yasbelle Kerkow, Jess Peneueta, Madelene Avene, Leah Avene, Fetu Thompson, Vineta Ioapo, Asalemo Tofete, Steve Tafea, Christian Gilbert, Patrick Faaaifili, Sam Teevale, Alec Reade, Jeramyah Gale and Paul Peneueta.
Rehearsal days/times: We rehearse weekly on Thursday nights (630pm-830pm) in Sydenham, VIC.
WANT TO JOIN US? We are always looking for new singers so if you enjoy sharing your love of Pasefika music with the community, then Contact us today!
Our performances so far:
| 2016 | |
| June | The Pacific Exhibition opening event – Hosted by The National Gallery of Victoria |
| October | Main stage, Aotearoa Festival – Hosted by Immigration Museum Melbourne |
| 2017 | |
| January | Musifika Songfest 2017 – Hosted by PICAA Inc. |
| March | ‘Pride of Polynesia’ parade in partnership with Nuholani Dance co., @ Moomba Festival – Hosted by City of Melbourne. |
| Fundraiser event – Hosted by The Voice of West Papua radio programme | |
| April | Collaboration with Mojo Juju @ The Piers Festival 2017 – Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria |
| May | Collaboration with Mojo Juju @ Multifuturistic concert – Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria, Gasometer Hotel |
| June | ‘Karen Goes to New York!’ Fundraiser – Hosted by Karen Abdul |
| July | Collaboration with Mojo Juju @ Melbourne Festival, MPavilion |
| September | Channel 7’s Breakfast Sunrise Show |
| October | The MANA festival @ Northcote Town Hall |
| December | Launch of new Rotunda @ Abbotsford Convent |
| Certificate Presentation Evening for Brimbank City Council | |
| Collaboration with Amrita Hepi @ Small Room Performances, Lucy Guerin Studios | |
| 2018 | |
| January | Collaboration with Amrita Hepi @ Sugar Mountain Festival, Malthouse Theatre |
PASEFIKA VITORIA CHOIR Gallery:
