ChoralEd, Performing Choral Music from Diverse Cultures

In ChoralEd episode 46, Dr. Arreon Harley-Emerson of Equity Sings offers some insights and practical guidance on respectfully performing music from diverse cultures. Before sharing music from another culture with our choirs and audiences, Dr. Harley-Emerson suggests we look inward (before outward) by asking ourselves three simple questions:

• Why am I doing this piece of music?
• Why now?
• Am I ready to be doing this piece of music?

This internal reflection is a critical first step. It forces us to examine our own motivations and to be honest about our own readiness to engage with a work in a meaningful way. It’s a call for us to move beyond simply programming a work for the sake of “diversity” and to instead ensure we are doing it for the right reasons.

Ultimately, the journey of performing choral music from diverse cultures is one of lifelong learning. It requires a commitment to cultural humility, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and a dedication to doing the work of research and relationship-building.