A classical musical treat in Timor-Leste

Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima, Japan sent six students to visit Timor-Leste from February 21 to 28 for a series of performances. Chancellor-President Kawano Yūji, Fr Fransiskus Purhastanto SJ, and one more staff member accompanied the students. Elisabeth University Trustee Fr Yoshio Kajiyama SJ was also present for most of the visit, along with Fr Yoshitaka Ura SJ of Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola (CSIL).

They performed at CSIL, Instituto São João de Brito, São João de Brito parish in Liquiça and in the hall of the Fundação Oriente in Dili. Santo Inácio and the church offered six occasions for the students to perform.

In Timor-Leste, there are few opportunities to hear Western music live. There are guitars, electronic pianos and violins, but hardly any wind instruments like trumpets and flutes. For many, it was their first time to hear a classical music concert.