Matias Ceballos

Drawing on my experience as a music educator in Chile, I envisioned creating a space where music could truly transform lives. This vision became a reality when I founded the Refugee Children’s Orchestra in New Zealand, a project born from my aspiration to guide and cultivate good, principled individuals through the power of music. Its realisation was made possible by the dedicated team at the New Zealand Ministry of Education, whose belief in my vision I remain profoundly grateful for.

The orchestra focused on the teaching of Latin American music, specifically for children from Colombian families who arrived in New Zealand through refugee support programmes. Understanding and preserving one’s cultural roots was a fundamental pillar of this project: knowing where we come from is essential to knowing ourselves and embarking on our personal journeys.

Beyond musical technique, the orchestra sought to nurture integrity, discipline, empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect. Each rehearsal and performance illustrated that music is not merely a set of notes but a transformative force, connecting people, shaping character, and opening pathways to a purposeful future.