DIETER MACK, presenter

ABOUT THIS EVENT

When we speak about the music of a country like Indonesia, we generally think of various so-called “traditional musics” from various ethnicities. The term “traditional” is often regarded as something static – strengthening a cultural identity – and is mostly anonymous. After working in Indonesia (mainly in Bali and West Java) since 1978, my impression is different. These traditional musics exist, but I prefer to call them “local music traditions”. They change all the time, although people are often less aware of it. At the same time, the political administration of that young country – Indonesia became an independent nation in 1945 – has seen music as an important tool to define national identity. Additionally, scholars from all over the world – and later the internet – brought a diversity of other musics, even to very remote villages, which triggered an ongoing debate about what Indonesian contemporary music really is. In my presentation, I will talk about these origins and the modern “clash of music cultures” in this amazing country.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Dieter Mack (*1954) was born in Speyer, Germany and studied in Freiburg, where he also got his first professorship in music theory and ear training. From 2002 – 2021 he taught composition in Lübeck. Starting in 1978 he studied Balinese Gamelan and later became involved in the development of the Indonesian music education system. In total, he worked about ten years in Indonesia. From 2007-2019 he was head of the musicians’ selection committee at the DAAD and from 2009-2016 head of the music advisory board of the Goethe Institute. As a composer, he prefers ensemble settings. As an author, he writes mostly about intercultural issues.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Free Admission

Out of respect for other concertgoers, no children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission.

* All event information is correct at time of print.

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