Interculturalism in Classical Music
Major new project explores the heritage and influence of Black composers
In a significant voyage exploring the interaction between musical cultures, ViVA joined forces with dynamic composer and conductor Philip Herbert and renowned music theatre exponent Juwon Ogungbe in an undertaking that puts under the microscope the creative forces that arose from the meeting of Black and non-Black musical traditions in the classical arena.
The Perspectives project examined not only the nature of Black influences on Western classical tradition, but also the desire by Black composers to incorporate Western musical elements into their work. Based in Leicester, the project involved educational workshops as well as concerts at New Walk Museum and de Montfort Hall, and threw a spotlight on an aspect of composition and music history rarely explored.
