We believe multicultural arts instruction is a tool to achieve global understanding, cultural awareness, and academic improvement. The Multicultural Music Encounters (MME) is an annual series that brings together composers, scholars, and musicians in order to promote major historical events from around the world with minor public exposure. These events are introduced through the use of a panel dis
cussion, a music performance depicting the history of the occasion and an interactive audience's reflection of the music/history combination. Panel Discussion
During this component of the presentation, world-renowned scholars discuss the event from different perspectives; including the causes, the effects and the consequences of the focused situation. During this segment, the composer of the commissioned work presents her/his perspective for the creation of the work and the inspiring sources for the musical piece. At the end of the discussion, the audience has an opportunity to ask questions or add comments to the topic. Performance of Composition
The performance aspect premiers a multi-movement instrumental work in a symphonic setting. The composition is performed by the MMG Orchestra and the Bronx Arts Ensemble with renowned guest artists from around the world. The commissioned work is written by a composer from the focused culture utilizing distinct aspects of their ethnic heritage. History/Performance Reflection
The reflection component of the MME is an interaction between the audience, the panelists, the musicians, the conductor and the composer in which each of them express their aesthetic experiences during the performance and their affective/cognitive connection to the music and history. An open mic is utilized during this segment which is coordinated by the panel moderator, the master of ceremonies and the MMG staff.
