Violin player Pauleth Masamba has been playing with the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste since the mid-1990s. "Music is one of the things that comforts me, takes off the stress and makes me happy," she says.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
Violin player Pauleth Masamba has been playing with the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste since the mid-1990s. "Music is one of the things that comforts me, takes off the stress and makes me happy," she says.
Errol Barnett/CNN
The Kinshasa-based orchestra holds regular concerts in a bid to inspire a new generation of musicians and help locals to discover the world of classical music.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
The Kinshasa-based orchestra holds regular concerts in a bid to inspire a new generation of musicians and help locals to discover the world of classical music.
Errol Barnett/CNN
Masamba, like many other members of the orchestra, lives in a typical Kinshasa neighborhood that has unpaved roads and is lined with sewage.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
Masamba, like many other members of the orchestra, lives in a typical Kinshasa neighborhood that has unpaved roads and is lined with sewage.
Errol Barnett/CNN
Conductor Armand Diangienda (far right) is the founder and conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste. Their rehearsal room, in his house, can barely fit the ensemble of some 200 people.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
Conductor Armand Diangienda (far right) is the founder and conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste. Their rehearsal room, in his house, can barely fit the ensemble of some 200 people.
Errol Barnett/CNN
The Kinshasa orchestra does not have enough instruments so these boys must take 20-minute turns while practicing.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
The Kinshasa orchestra does not have enough instruments so these boys must take 20-minute turns while practicing.
Errol Barnett/CNN
Rehearsals are frequently interrupted by power blackouts. One member of the orchestra is designated as the electrician who must drop his instrument and fix the power when lights go out.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
Rehearsals are frequently interrupted by power blackouts. One member of the orchestra is designated as the electrician who must drop his instrument and fix the power when lights go out.
Errol Barnett/CNN
Rodrick Muamba joins rehearsals after work and aspires to become a world-renowned violinist
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
Rodrick Muamba joins rehearsals after work and aspires to become a world-renowned violinist
Errol Barnett/CNN
In 2010, a German documentary called "Kinshasa Symphony" brought international attention to the group.
Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste —
In 2010, a German documentary called "Kinshasa Symphony" brought international attention to the group.
Errol Barnett/CNN