AFPA, established in 1987 under the patronage of princess Pilolevu Tuita, is another division of the Institute. Like the Institute itself, AFPA had a humble beginning but has now developed into quite a formidable creative force. AFPA's concert series has actively contributed to the local educational and artistic life of Tonga, much more so than other educational institutions in the Kingdom. The growing expatriate community in Nukuʻalofa has greatly benefited from both the lecture and concert series.
AFPA began by offering lessons for beginners in a range of instruments such as classical guitar, piano, cello and violin, as well as voice training, dance and drama. Its activities now include superior choir performances of European classical and operatic repertoire, as well as Tongan performing arts. The Tongan performing arts have been nurtured by Afokoula (Golden chord), an AFPA group composed of both staff and students, which over the past two decades has critically preserved traditional and classical Tongan music of particular rhythm and beauty.
AFPA's choral and dance ensemble has enjoyed two successful overseas tours -- of New Zealand in January 1997 ... and of both New Zealand and Australia in January 1998. The group plans to tour Fiji in December 1998, and the USA in mid-1999. Four of its principal vocalists were recruited by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music at the University of Sydney during the January 1998 tour of Australia.
As AFPA's international exposure grows, it is expected to eventually become a reliable generator of funds for the Institute.
AFPA choir performing at the yearly graduation ceremony, 12 November 2005
Graduands performing a lakalaka at the yearly graduation ceremony, 12 November 2005