HM King George Tupou V has donated musical instruments to the Royal Corps of Musicians at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa, on Friday September 16.

The gifts included one premier bass and six snare drums and a set of string instruments.

Five musicians are under instruction to play as the Drum and Bugle Corps on ceremonial occasions when the Royal Corps of Musicians are on ceremonial parade, and they will also come together as a Classical String Ensemble on Court Occasions, the Office of the Lord Chamberlain said in a statement.

"It is the intention of the Royal Corps of Musicians eventually to require that every musician learn an orchestral instrument in addition to the brass instrument so that they may perform when necessary as a chamber orchestra."

So far, the Court of Musicians, which is their temporary designation, consists of two violinists Mausia and Kefu, a bass violinist Langilangi, cellist Fusimalohi and viola player Fifita.

The five musicians are under the Royal Corps of Musicians and are to be trained by the Director of Music of the Royal Corps of Musicians Lt Taulama Aleamotu'a.

King George Tupou V, who returned to Tonga at the weekend after an overseas trip to undergo surgery, was present at the Palace today.