Tunes, Traditions and Transcendence
Summary
This thesis explores how different perceptions of authenticity interact in the construction of a multicultural musical performance. Taking the case of Catching Cultures Orchestra, an Utrecht-based orchestra that seeks to incorporate 'newcomers' and their music into their performance, it becomes apparent how differing perceptions of music, musicians and diversity get to coexist, both musically and personally. As different as these views of what a song, or performer is supposed to sound, feel or even look like, are, conflict is surprisingly rare. When they do clash, though, it reveals a lot about the very real consequences of such perceptions of authenticity. By studying the processes in which such perceptions interact through their interpreters, a new light is shed upon authenticity on the side of the performer and the negotiation of authenticity in practice.