The Queen of Paradise Initiative: A Life-Changing Experience in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea

 
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The Queen of Paradise Initiative: A Life-Changing Experience in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea

Dane Madrigal, composer, conductor, and music educator

05-07-2025

The children’s orchestra after playing for Pope Francis.  Foreground, from left: Jesus Briceño, Pope Francis, Father Miguel, Dane Madrigal. Photo: Queen of Paradise.

Twice over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Vanimo area of Papua New Guinea, where I worked alongside the incredible students of the Queen of Paradise initiative. This initiative focuses on teaching music to students from local communities—a project that not only enriches their lives but also nurtures their potential in ways that go beyond the music classroom. The project was co-founded in 2018 by Father Miguel de la Calle and Venezuelan conductor/educator Jesus Briceño, its artistic director.

During both visits, I had the opportunity to work with two exceptional groups: the children’s orchestra and choir. Despite facing significant socio-economic challenges, these young musicians demonstrate an inspiring aptitude for performance; their commitment to their craft is nothing short of remarkable. Whether they are playing instruments or singing in the choir, they pour their hearts into every note.

Also remarkable is their resilience. Many students live a lengthy distance from the rehearsal hall in Baro, so some stay for weeks at a time with family in villages closer to Baro, while others undertake daily journeys on foot. These pedestrian crossings, which can take an hour or more, are accomplished via the province’s single road (which was paved only in the last few years), traversing rainforest, coral reefs, and idyllic beaches. Many of the students who walk have responsibilities they must return to in their villages every evening, such as selling goods at the small markets, catching dinner, preparing dinner, tending family land, or cleaning the family home. 

The author working with students. Photo: Queen of Paradise.

One of the most memorable experiences from my time in Vanimo was helping the students prepare music for a truly special occasion: the visit, last August, of Pope Francis. With only three weeks to prepare, the students were able to put together both a fully recorded concert for the Holy Father and a few live pieces for his visit to the IVE Fathers in Baro. During this time, students came every day from near and far to practice for two to five hours in ensembles and sectionals. Within three weeks, orchestral students were playing Beethoven and Strauss with ease, while choral students had learned a Mass composed for the visit of the Holy Father, along with works of American sacred music.

The ethos of Pope Francis—humility and encountering people where they are—was reflected in the performance, which took place right in the rehearsal hall. The Pope’s face as he watched the students play was much like that of a proud father or grandfather: first a brightening of the eyes, then a warm smile, and, finally, joyful applause. 

The Queen of Paradise initiative is not just about teaching music; it’s about giving these students a platform to express themselves, find confidence, and dream beyond the boundaries of their circumstances. Watching their faces light up as they perform, and knowing the positive influence this project has on their futures, have made my time in Vanimo one of the most touching and valuable experiences of my life. 

We are now looking for other volunteers to join this cause and help us continue to offer the gift of music to these students. Your support can help shape their futures, foster their talents, and open doors to opportunities they might never have imagined. If you’re passionate about music and want to make a real difference, we would love to have you be part of this life-changing mission. For information about how to volunteer, contact Fr. Miguel de la Calle at [email protected].

artistic expression, Arts And Social Impact, Choir And Orchestra, Community Engagement, Cross-cultural collaboration, Cultural Exchange, Dane Madrigal, Educational Equity, Global Music Education, Latin American Music Leaders, May 2025, Music And Resilience, Music And Spirituality, Music As Empowerment, Music Education, Papua New Guinea, Performance Preparation, Pope Francis Visit, Queen Of Paradise Initiative, Rural Access To Education, Sacred Music, social change through music, Student Voice, Teaching In Remote Areas, Transformative Learning, Volunteer Opportunities, Youth Empowerment

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