Nabanga Ensemble receives donation from Katrina Ferrieux Patterson Memorial Fund
August 24, 2024 7:30 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The Nabanga Ensemble, a youth orchestra initiative of the Lycée Français International Le Clézio, has received a generous donation of Vatu (VT)100,000 from the Katrina Ferrieux Patterson Memorial Fund.
This contribution will greatly support the Ensemble’s mission to nurture young musical talent in Vanuatu.
The Katrina Ferrieux Patterson Memorial Fund was established to honour the memory of a young woman who grew up in Vanuatu, before going to France and Australia to study and work. Katrina died aged 28 of breast cancer.
The Memorial Fund in her name was set up by her parents, Douglas and Marie-Noelle Patterson, her brother Kyle and her partner James, with the aim of assisting and inspiring young people, particularly girls, in Vanuatu, to achieve their dreams in the fields of education, culture, sports and the Arts.
Barbara Idieder, the Director of the Nabanga Ensemble, was previously Katrina’s piano teacher at Port Vila’s Movements Afoot Music Academy, and their personal and musical connection goes back many years.
Idieder played a very moving saxophone solo at the interment of Katrina’s ashes in Port Vila in June last year.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous donation from the Katrina Ferrieux Patterson Memorial Fund,” Ms Idieder said.
“This contribution will have a profound impact on our young musicians, allowing us to continue providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Katrina’s memory will live on through the positive influence this donation will have on our community.”
She went on to say, “The Nabanga Ensemble offers local students the opportunity to learn and perform music free of charge in a supportive environment, fostering not only musical skills but also teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. With this donation, the Ensemble can enhance its programs, purchase new instruments, and provide more resources to its members.
“This donation to the Nabanga Ensemble is a fitting tribute to Katrina’s legacy, empowering young musicians to pursue their dreams.”
When handing over the donation, Katrina’s mother, Marie-Noelle Ferrieux Patterson, said “Katrina’s friends know how much she loved Vanuatu and how passionate she was about “girl power”! To see what Barbara has created with the Nabanga Ensemble, especially the young group of girls, and to see how much it has grown in recent years, is truly inspiring. Katrina would love to know that she was assisting this initiative of the Lycée Français International Le Clézio, where she was also a student. We would like to thank the family and friends of Katrina who have donated to her Memorial Fund. These generous people are making a real difference in young people’s lives.”
The Nabanga Ensemble has become a cornerstone of Vanuatu’s cultural landscape, regularly performing at local events and showcasing the nation’s rich talent.
This donation from the Katrina Julia Patterson Memorial Fund will further strengthen the Ensemble’s ability to inspire and support the next generation of Vanuatu’s musicians.
The next fundraising event for the Nabanga Ensemble will be on Saturday 7th of September at 6:30pm at the Foundation Suzanne Bastien on Pango Road when renowned international pianist Roger Longjie Cui will play a program of music by Frederick Chopin. Ticket details are available by texting 7716790.
