St Helena Island is the second oldest British overseas territory situated in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and South-western Africa.

The population currently stands at circa 5,000.

The island covers only 47 square miles but it rises to over 800m at it’s highest point at the Peaks in the lush centre of the island.

It is a volcanic sub-tropical island, originally discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and is best known for being the final place of exile and death of Napoleon and for Jonathan the giant Seychelles tortoise who, at 186, is St Helena’s oldest inhabitant.

Music has always been important on the island and diverse styles and genres are enjoyed.

The history of Music on St Helena stretches as far back as the early military bands of The East India Company.

Many “Saints” enjoy Country music, the tradition being acquired from Ascension Island with it’s USA airbase where Saints have often worked.

There are also marching brass bands, dance bands, young classical piano and violin players, a choir that sings both secular and sacred choral music, and various rock / pop bands.

Music events are popular on the island and include everything from classical concerts, Christmas and Easter music in the churches and an Ecumenical Christmas carol services in the town square, outdoor rock performances, young people’s talent shows, recitals, musical theatrical productions such as “We Will Rock You” and the recent “Wizard of Oz” to the recent Jazz evening at a hotel in Jamestown. Live music is an important part of St Helenian culture.

Creative Saint Helena is a registered Arts Charity working on the island which endeavours to promote, facilitate and create opportunities to access, engage and participate in the arts.

We also aim to encourage and mentor talent in the creative, visual, musical and dramatic arts on island across generations and abilities.

We try to raise the profile of St Helenian artists, art and performance both on island and overseas and advocate artistic and encourage expression of Saint identity, culture and heritage.

As well as offering dance classes for young people, CSH also provides a weekly violin class to a group of players at Prince Andrew Secondary School.

Singing is encouraged in the primary schools and is offered at In+ventive, a weekend youth club on the island.

A youth choir is formed from keen young singers from various parts of the island when an occasion arises.

Two young St Helenians are studying piano at Grade 5 / 6 level and several students have taken or are studying GCSE Music.

Teeny Lucy is the Director of Creative Saint Helena.