The 21st century: more than ever, people are on the move, driven by poverty, war, or simply because they can—curiosity about another life. Transport and communication make the world smaller, but cultural differences remain significant.
What do people leave behind on their journey? What music do they carry with them, and what does it mean to them in their new world?
Roadrunner spoke with many immigrants about their cultural baggage and musical memories, incorporating them into a colorful program in their own unique way. Music from Iran, Greece, Tatarstan, Kenya, and more, with a contemporary twist, driven or composed by Antonis Pratsinakis (cello), Erica Roozendaal (accordion), and Michel Marang (clarinet), and for this program, joined by a vocalist.
The trio embarked on an extensive research process to understand and integrate the cultural and musical heritage of various immigrant communities. They conducted in-depth interviews with immigrants from diverse backgrounds, exploring the music that held personal and cultural significance for them. This process involved listening to traditional melodies, understanding the stories behind them, and examining how these sounds evolved in the immigrants’ new environments. The trio then creatively reinterpreted these musical elements, blending them with contemporary sounds and their own artistic styles. Their work culminates in a unique program that reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences, all thoughtfully adapted to their modern musical context.
