Folk songs provide us with a window into the emotional, social, and political landscapes of cultures from the past and present. They do so in a way that is intuitive and emotionally moving, and through the stories and melodies of folk songs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and perspectives of different cultures and peoples. We embark on a journey, from flamenco-inspired Spanish songs to arrangements of German, English, and Hungarian folk songs. The centerpiece of the programme is the song cycle “Tell them” (2023), inspired by the theme of folksong, written specifically for Duo Amaris by Brazilian composer João Luiz. It is set to texts by the Marshallese poet Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, concentrating on themes such as cultural belonging, home(lessness), womanhood and climate justice.
Folk songs are the timeless threads that weave the tapestry of the past into the fabric of the present, connecting generations through their melodies.
The project was supported by „NEUSTART KULTUR Ensembles“ by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media as well as German Music Council.
