Securing the Future of Folk

Chaired by
Suchet Malhotra (India/Belgium), JM International;
with
Sarah-Jane Gibson (South Africa/UK), York St John University;
Ricardo van Mildert (the Netherlands), Muzaic / Moon Jelly Agency / Mildert Management
Maarja Nuut (Estonia), EstTradMusic OÜ;


We are at the end of an era with the passing of renowned masters across various musical traditions. Who will be the next Ali Farka Touré or Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan? Will they emerge from Mali and Pakistan, or could they come from Sweden and Chile? What is the future impact of current methodologies in informal and non-formal learning? What is the role of technology in keeping traditions alive, and can it effectively substitute traditional learning methods?

Ethno, the world's largest folk music program for youth, was established in Sweden in 1990 and is now active in over 40 countries. This programme brings together a panel of experts in research, pedagogy, performance, and technology to address these pressing questions. The discussion will focus on how young musicians are preparing to become the folk music culture-keepers of tomorrow, given the current trends towards rapid urbanisation, modernisation, and digitalisation.

The views and opinions expressed during this session are solely those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of WOMEX.

Please note that this session and all conferences held in Conference Room 1 at Manchester Central will include auto-captions (in English) for improved accessibility.