Newsletter No. 14 – The Multicultural Music Group

DECEMBER 2023

THE TREBLE CLEF

The Multicultural Music Group Newsletter

DECOLONIZING THE HOLIDAYS

A Special Number for the Season

FEATURING “DiversifyingThe Nutcracker” A Latin Song All Know Hasn’t Been Arranged Many Times for Orchestras UPCOMING EVENTS: Yasser Tejeda at City College

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Editor’s Note Decolonizing the holidays refers to the process of challenging and reevaluating traditional holiday practices and narratives that may perpetuate colonial ideologies, Eurocentrism, and cultural imperialism. Decolonization involves recognizing and addressing colonization's historical and cultural impacts on indigenous and marginalized communities and fostering a more inclusive and respectful approach to holiday celebrations. Much of our collective work in our organization revolves around making sure that the voices of our BIPOC communities are heard and celebrated.

This approach, which we have held dear to our cause for almost three decades, encourages people to reflect on the origins of holiday traditions and consider how they might be rooted in colonial histories or oppressive practices. By decolonizing the holidays, individuals seek to engage in more culturally sensitive and equitable celebrations, acknowledging diverse perspectives and honoring the experiences of historically marginalized groups.

The pieces you will read in this number go deeper into such decolonizing practices.

First, our Marketing and Development Assistant, Leilah Ramos Arroyo, shares a reflection about “Diversifying The Nutcracker,” one of the most-celebrated ballet pieces in the history of this art. Yours truly offers up some words about the dear “Burrito de Belén” tune, extremely popular in Latinx communities, but very little represented in symphonic repertoires. I, however, highlight one of the longest-standing symphonic renditions of the song, as it happens in Houston, Texas.

For now, while you enjoy the pieces here, please remember that efforts to decolonize the holidays can include learning about the indigenous histories of specific regions, incorporating diverse cultural practices into celebrations, and supporting businesses and artisans from marginalized communities. It ultimately promotes awareness, understanding, and respect for different cultures and histories, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to holiday festivities. We hope you continue joining us in this cause in the new year. For now, enjoy the festivities, the well-deserved rest, or both!

Much love, Wilfredo José Burgos Matos Community Outreach Coordinator

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Diversifying “The Nutcracker”

By Leilah Ramos Arroyo "The Nutcracker," a cherished Christmas tradition performed on grand stages, from the New York City Ballet to smaller pre-professional companies, evokes the magical essence of a winter wonderland. Created through the collaboration of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in 1892, this ballet has grown into a cultural phenomenon. However, beneath its widespread popularity lies a hidden truth. Racially stereotyped characters and a lack of representation persist in casting and music composition throughout its history. While strides are being made for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive performance, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical impact on dancers and musicians of color.

Criticism has long surrounded the racial stereotypes present in "The Nutcracker." From exoticized Arabian dancers to caricatured Chinese tea variations, the ballet perpetuates harmful racial tropes, contributing to broader issues of cultural insensitivity and appropriation. In "Dance Magazine," renowned ballet instructor Ronald Alexander described the characters as "borderline caricatures, if not downright demeaning." Some companies, such as the Scottish Ballet, are taking steps towards inclusivity by engaging traditional artists, like Chinese dancer and choreographer Annie Au, to ensure authenticity in performances. Artistic Director Christopher Hampson emphasized the importance of welcoming all audiences and celebrating diversity.

Companies are actively working to reshape traditional roles for a more inclusive “Nutcracker” experience. Pacific Northwest Ballet, for instance, features a non-binary Sugar Plum Fairy, challenging both gender norms and racial hierarchies in ballet roles. Dancer Ashton Edwards, breaking barriers as a black artist, aims to be an activist and a beacon for future generations.

CONT.

4 While the impact of "The Nutcracker" on the global dance scene is evident, the focus extends to its iconic score composed by Tchaikovsky. Despite its status as a classical masterpiece, questions arise about the need for more diversity in the creative process, limiting perspectives shaping the music. This underrepresentation hinders innovative interpretations that could resonate with a broader audience. Duke Ellington's "Nutcracker Suite" is a remarkable example of such innovation, infusing Tchaikovsky's compositions with jazz and swing, expanding accessibility, and highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in the arts.

"The Nutcracker" grapples with deep-rooted issues of racism and lack of representation in both performance and music. Yet, companies and musicians are actively pushing these boundaries to make the holiday tradition more inclusive.

By acknowledging problematic elements and striving for change, "The Nutcracker" can evolve to reflect the diversity of our contemporary world, ensuring a memorable holiday experience for everyone.

Go here to listen to Duke Ellington’s suite.

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A Latin Song All Know Hasn’t Been Arranged Many Times for Orchestras

By Wilfredo José Burgos Matos

The infectious melody and jubilant lyrics of "Burrito de Belén" (known also as “Burrito Sabanero”) have made it a festive favorite across Latin American communities during the holiday season. Its origins can be traced back to the plains (“llanos”) of Venezuela, where it has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations, often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the Venezuelan cuatro (a four-stringed guitar), maracas, and tambor (drum).

While "Burrito Sabanero," composed by Hugo Blanco, has found its way into various genres and has been covered by numerous artists, it has not yet experienced a significant number of symphonic adaptations. The reasons behind the limited exploration of this folk anthem in the classical realm are varied. Still, one key consideration may be the challenge of translating its rustic charm into the refined complexity of a symphony.

The heartwarming simplicity of "Burrito Sabanero" is one of its defining features, and any attempt at a symphonic adaptation would need to preserve this essence while carefully expanding its sonic landscape. A skilled composer would need to navigate the delicate balance between retaining the folk character of the piece and integrating the lush harmonies and instrumentation of a symphony.

Despite the limited symphonic recognition, there exists a notable arrangement

by Glenn Garrido that has found a stage with the Houston Latin American Philharmonic. Its orchestral adaptation by Garrido has brought a fresh perspective to holiday symphonies. The performance by the Houston Latin American Philharmonic not only showcases the cultural diversity within the realm of classical music but also underscores the ability of orchestras to capture the richness of a tune such as “Burrito de Belén.”

As we celebrate the diversity of global music, it is essential to recognize the untapped treasures within traditional folk compositions. "Burrito Sabanero" stands as a testament to the festive spirit of Latin American Christmas, and one can only hope that many visionary composers will seize the opportunity to elevate this beloved “villancico” into a symphonic masterpiece, bringing its joyous melodies to the grand stages of the classical world.

Listen to the symphonic arrangement here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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At a Glance

28+ years of service to the community.

All have NYC Boroughs been impacted by our work

MMG Orchestra

through education and cultural programming.

has been active for almost three decades with members from all over the world.

About MMG The MMG is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating and presenting new symphonic music, promoting research of hidden aspects of history, and providing direct student instruction in multicultural instrumental music. Our initiatives aim to promote global understanding, social justice awareness, and diversity in the symphonic repertoire. We strive to broaden our musical repertoire to reflect the rich diversity of our communities.

Our vision includes fair historical portraits of underrepresented communities in educational and artistic fields. We fulfill this through new music commissions by composers of color and providing professional, economically accessible programming to the public. We supplement our presentations with scholarly research and open dialogue to deepen our listening, learning, and cross-cultural experiences.

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