A Weekend in Harmony – Senior Orchestral Trip to Turi

By Dhara Shah

My senior orchestral weekend at Turi was truly unforgettable. It was a joy to see familiar faces from the music fraternity and to make new friends who share the same passion for music. Despite the heavy rains, the weekend was nothing short of brilliant - the repertoire, the energy, and the atmosphere all came together beautifully.

I played Violin I, and the pieces we performed are still buzzing in my mind. The “Beethoven Piano Concerto” was our classical highlight - it instantly reminded me of my IGCSE Music studies! The solo pianist’s virtuosic performance was breathtaking; his fingers glided effortlessly across the keys, truly an inspiration for my own piano journey.

We also performed “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Joe Hisaishi, a piece filled with waltz-like rhythms that made me want to sway along with the music. I was completely “howled” away by the enchanting melodies and cinematic soundscape!

A particularly special moment for me was playing “Soweto”, arranged by my inspirational idol Mwendwa Masika. I’ve had the privilege of performing alongside him in both the Safaricom Youth Orchestra and the Nairobi Orchestra, and it was amazing to reunite once again at Turi. The piece bursts with African vibrancy and rhythmic energy - it completely stole my heart. His composition vividly brought out the “energy of afro beats through an orchestra”, as he had inspired.

“Safari ya Bamba”, a traditional Giriyama folk song, added a unique touch to the programme with its vocal sections and the use of the kayamba (a traditional percussion instrument). The call-and-response harmonies made me feel as though I was journeying through Bamba in Kilifi County itself.

Another highlight was “The Journey,” an original composition by a talented Year 13 Turi student. It was powerfully written and beautifully performed, leading perfectly into an energetic rendition of “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Then came “Kenyan Folk Fusion” by Shaka Marco, one of Kenya’s most exciting contemporary composers. This piece blends traditional Kenyan folk songs such as Wape Wape and Oh Bori Kwa Baba into a modern orchestral setting. Having played it for the third time, I’m still amazed at how traditional melodies, originally performed on folk instruments, can be brought to life so vividly by a symphony orchestra.

A personal highlight for me was my solo performance of “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay. Performing in front of such a large audience was nerve-wracking at first, but once I started, I got completely lost in the music. The connection with the audience was magical - a moment I’ll never forget.

The Turi orchestral weekend is always special to me. It’s one event I would gladly sacrifice anything else for. Though the rehearsals are intense, from Friday evening through Saturday, leading straight into the concert that very night, the experience is deeply rewarding. Every note, every smile, and every shared rhythm reminds me why I love making music.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my music teachers for their constant guidance and encouragement, Mr. Luvai for giving me the platform and opportunity to participate, and Mr. Jackson for warmly accommodating me with his team. Most importantly, I thank my fellow musicians, without whom this wonderful experience would not have been possible.