Programmheft - des Main-Kinzig-Kreises

„We are One World!“ – The idea of the Festival of Voices
Music has effects!
The positive effects of music and singing
are undisputed; singing and music-making
have always been considered an appropriate
means to positively influence sentiments
and emotions and an effective instrument for
mood management. Music is purposefully
played at railway stations and supermarkets
as well as restaurants, gyms and soccer parks.
Musicologists, music teachers and therapists
have for many years been investigating the
effects of music. Has it got healing powers?
Can it enhance intelligence? Can it contribute
to improving interpersonal relationships?
The multitude of examinations and studies
shows one thing above all: it’s not all that
easy to scientifically determine the effect
of music.
Nevertheless, the vast majority of active
singers and music-makers will spontaneously
confirm: „Regardless of what scientists can
prove or not: music has effects! And music
enables us to express things we would otherwise
not easily put in words.“
This statement may on one side be interpre
ted as the opinion of romantic authors and
philosophers, but on the other it is also a
confirmation of the rather prosaic finding
that music may also be used as a non-verbal
communication and sign system, i.e. a
language that is understood all over the world.
That’s what makes music so international.
Irrespective of the performers’ or listeners’ age,
expertise and origin: it appears as if music can
provide the basis for mutual understanding,
to generate a sense of community and to
foster harmonious interaction between
numerous individuals.
That is why the regional culture agency of the
Main-Kinzig-Kreis district upon initiative of
district administrator Erich Pipa is organizing
this Festival of Voices. We want to join forces
with schools and music academies, clubs
and associations, migrant groups, welfare
organizations, initiatives and individuals to
call to life this event where people – with
or without migratory background – sing and
make music with each other and for each
other.
Focus will be on interaction, spontaneous
musical experience and the joy in cheerful
togetherness. Participants will thus set an
example for tolerant cooperation and will
raise their voices for peaceful togetherness of
more than 150 nations represented here in
the Main-Kinzig-Kreis district.
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