About us Background: The Solomon Islands are a volcanic and coral reef archipelago, stretching over 1400 kilometres in the western Pacific Ocean, and home to an incredibly diverse mix of terrain and people. The red arrow points to Oterama village on Malaita Island The Narasirato musicians come from in Oterama village at the remote southern end of Malaita Island. They live a traditional subsistence lifestyle, farming and fishing to care for their families, whilst pursuing their passion for music, song and dance. The group is reviving many of the old traditions to add to their extensive repertoire of traditional music, as well as creating their own unique contemporary sound. It is a mix of virtuosic pan pipe music, performed while dancing intricate choreographies, all of which relate to their rich Are'are culture. They are equally outstanding on stage or as a roving group, with their traditional costumes and instruments and rich vocal harmonies, combined with vibrant dancing, traditional props, singing and choreographies, allowing them to create a unique blend of music performance. The Narasirato Pan Pipers have astounded audiences in England, Taipai, Vanuatu, Canada, New Zealand and Australia with their traditional and contemporary pan pipe music performances. During the 'tensions' (2000-2003) in the Solomon Islands, they were not able to pursue their overseas performance plans, including a proposed tour of South Africa with Lucky Dube, and are now very keen to commence touring again. They want to share their culture with the world. The Group: Everyone in the village plays (there is even a 108 year old pan piper!) so the group comprises over fifty musicians. For international touring the group prefers to play with a minimum of nine musicians, with their preference being fourteen performers. Read more about Narasirato origins. The Instruments: They play a magnificent array of pan pipes, from small 'soprano' instruments to huge bass blown pipes, stamping tubes, thong-o-phones, small drop tubes, rich vocals and harmonies, drums and percussion. All instruments and costumes have road cases for transport and touring purposes. Read more about Narasirato instruments and costume. The Music: The Narasirato repertoire is extensive, and continuing to grow, enhancing their ability to create performances which are specific to the project they are working towards. Typically the music depicts natural sounds and human actions such as bird and animal calls, oceans and rivers, children playing or crying, rustling trees and people at work. It skilfully captures the visual and aural images of everyday life in the Are'are village. This music can bring a sense of peace, elicit strength, attract a partner or inspire dance and celebration.