When Speech is not Enough
The human experience is universal, and nowhere is this more apparent than in music. Through folk songs from 22 cultures, organised not by geography but by theme, this program explores the power of music to connect people on a deep emotional level.
This programme was more than two years in the making, and, with songs in 17 different languages, involved learning a lot of pronounciation. We spent a lot of time practicing individually, as a group, and with Theresa Dwyer, our fantastic accompanist for pieces that would not be the same with voces alone. It is a highly enjoyable, if difficult programme to perform, and we will be presenting an abridged version at the 2024 National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Across cultures and history, music has been a universal outlet for profound emotions that words alone cannot convey. There are experiences and emotions that touch the lives of all human beings, and this programme is curated with specifically to highlight our similarities rather than our differences. Regardless of political, linguistic, or religious boundaries, certain human experiences are shared: a mother's love and childhood excitement, the comfort and beauty of home, grief and loss, joy, love and celebration.
In arranging the programme by theme, and running without announcements, we let the music tell the story, allowing for individual interpretation and connection with each audience member. Because of this, the interval is placed an hour into the programme, in the second half. Each themed section was treated like a work, with the request that applause be held until the end of each theme, as indicated in the programme.
