Beyond 'Multicultural': Approaching Culturally Responsible Performance of Choral Music of Other Cultures

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility for culturally responsible performance of choral music of other cultures within the paradigm of Western art music. It unpacks three elements of style associated with choral music (melody, diction, and rhythm/meter) for a robust musical discussion. It then examines strategies for content delivery to audiences such as audio-visual and participatory activities which feature cultural voices or uplift the culture of origin behind pieces of music. In all, this paper provides a detailed look into aspects of choral music which properly address cultural responsibility and those areas which need improvement.