Classical music from around the world will be celebrated in UT’s Ready for the World Music Series, which kicks off on Sunday, October 12.
The series will include performances from renowned artists from Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia; short lectures about the musical styles and traditions and literature from diverse regions; exhibits by artists; a display of cultural artifacts and information; and refreshments that represent the culinary diversity of each region. Each program is designed to demonstrate the rich musical influences these regions have had on the traditions of western classical music.
The series begins with Latin America and features special guest artists Duo Roldán, a cello and guitar-playing twosome from Cuba. At 12:30 p.m. on October 12, a reception and exhibits of artistic and cultural artifacts from Latin America will be held in the lobby of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, 1741 Volunteer Boulevard. The Duo Roldán concert will follow at 2:00 p.m., along with a short lecture in the Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall.
The Latin America concert coincides with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. HoLa (Hora Latina) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee are cosponsoring the event.
The next event will be January 11, 2015, and will focus on Eastern Europe. The final, focusing on East Asia, is set for April 19, 2015.
“One of the objectives of this series is not to highlight the distinctiveness of the music from each geographical region, but rather their similarities to the music we are accustomed to,” said Miroslav Hristov, UT associate professor of violin and director of the Ready for the World Music Series. “Very often, the fusing of two different musical styles gives rise to new and richer musical idioms.”
Hristov noted that music has the potential to promote concepts of globalization and tolerance and bridge gaps.
“Music is one of the pinnacles of human achievement, uniting races and nationalities through artistic performance, even during times of great social and economic adversity,” he said. “For these reasons, it is vitally necessary that we take the lead to preserve art and culture that enhance the intellectual, social, and cultural development of our young people in a global context.”
To learn more about the Ready for the World Music Series, visit the program website.
To learn more about the UT School of Music, its programs, and its events, visit the school’s website.
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CONTACT:
Miroslav Hristov (865-974-7535, hristov@utk.edu)