Can art bridge the gaps between cultures?

Walter · February 11th, 2010, 01:35 PM

Here is some news (with an interesting philosophical twist) that may interest those of you who are into classical music. A friend of a friend of mine is directing a new non-profit organization called “The World Civic Orchestra.” According to the website: “The mission of the World Civic Orchestra is to use music as a means to bridge the world’s differences. The WCO believes that music can help the world understand and appreciate the differences that too often lead to conflict because its essence is not bound by culture, race, or religion. Rather a universal language touches the human soul.”

The group has set an inaugural concert at Carnegie Hall on June 20, 2010. The program will include Beethoven’s “Choral” Symphony.

If you’re a performer as well as enthusiast, the site also says that the organization is “actively accepting membership applications for both instrumental and choral sections.”

For more information you may want to check out organization’s website at www.worldcivicorchestra.org

All of the above presents an interesting philosophical question: Can art (in tis case music) really help to “bridge the world’s differences” in a practical way? I would be interested in seeing what people think.

February 11th, 2010, 03:37 PM

Fascinating question, Walter. I have often thought it could. But why, then, is music around the world so very different. And why don't more people from different lands listen to other country's music?

February 11th, 2010, 03:40 PM

If it could, it would surely be the answer to world peace. What type of music do you think in the most universal?

Walter · February 16th, 2010, 09:39 AM

We often hear that music is a kind of "universal art," or words to that efffect. After mulling over these responses I remembered hearing many years ago that musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman were cited as “ambassadors of jazz” for their overseas work.

A little work with Dr. Google uncovered this illuminating article:
http://www.meridian.org/jazzambassadors/

The author, Dr. Curtis Sandberg says the program was “remarkably successful” in courting the “hearts and minds” of the world’s people. The Soviet Union was engaged in a similar effort with folk and classical music and dance.

Assessing the "success" of such programs would, I imagine, be difficult.

February 11th, 2010, 01:35 PM	#1
Walter Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 8	Can art bridge the gaps between cultures? Here is some news (with an interesting philosophical twist) that may interest those of you who are into classical music. A friend of a friend of mine is directing a new non-profit organization called “The World Civic Orchestra.” According to the website: “The mission of the World Civic Orchestra is to use music as a means to bridge the world’s differences. The WCO believes that music can help the world understand and appreciate the differences that too often lead to conflict because its essence is not bound by culture, race, or religion. Rather a universal language touches the human soul.” The group has set an inaugural concert at Carnegie Hall on June 20, 2010. The program will include Beethoven’s “Choral” Symphony. If you’re a performer as well as enthusiast, the site also says that the organization is “actively accepting membership applications for both instrumental and choral sections.” For more information you may want to check out organization’s website at www.worldcivicorchestra.org All of the above presents an interesting philosophical question: Can art (in tis case music) really help to “bridge the world’s differences” in a practical way? I would be interested in seeing what people think.

February 11th, 2010, 03:37 PM	#2
Unregistered Posts: n/a	Music is a mystery Fascinating question, Walter. I have often thought it could. But why, then, is music around the world so very different. And why don't more people from different lands listen to other country's music?

February 11th, 2010, 03:40 PM	#3
Unregistered Posts: n/a	World peace? If it could, it would surely be the answer to world peace. What type of music do you think in the most universal?

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February 16th, 2010, 09:39 AM	#4
Walter Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 8	We often hear that music is a kind of "universal art," or words to that efffect. After mulling over these responses I remembered hearing many years ago that musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman were cited as “ambassadors of jazz” for their overseas work. A little work with Dr. Google uncovered this illuminating article: http://www.meridian.org/jazzambassadors/ The author, Dr. Curtis Sandberg says the program was “remarkably successful” in courting the “hearts and minds” of the world’s people. The Soviet Union was engaged in a similar effort with folk and classical music and dance. Assessing the "success" of such programs would, I imagine, be difficult.