Via Whiting Auditorium Education and Community Engagement Manager Loel Murphy

Arts Midwest World Fest

October 8-14, 2017
April 29-May 5, 2018

Arts Midwest World Fest presents international musical ensembles in intensive week-long residencies in smaller Midwest communities. Its purpose is to foster an understanding of and appreciation for global uniqueness and differences.

Arts Midwest World Fest’s objectives are to:

• present high-caliber, accessible international artists to small- or mid-sized Midwest communities;
• provide a multifaceted experience to community residents, particularly young people;
• integrate the artists and their music into a broader social, cultural, political, and historical framework;
• encourage young people to explore issues and understand concerns of diverse cultures; and
• create a lasting musical and cultural impact on participants.

 Each cycle of Arts Midwest World Fest occurs over a two year period in which four global musical ensembles conduct week-long intensive residencies in selected communities throughout the Midwest. The residencies consist of school concerts, workshops, and outreach activities, and culminate in a public concert.

To extend the cultural experience to the classroom, Arts Midwest provides participating communities with a curriculum that helps students and teachers better understand and appreciate the customs and traditions of the visiting ensembles. We hope that studying other cultures will spark a lasting curiosity in both teachers and students that will result in further exploration of the diverse and fascinating cultures of the world.

October 9-13, 2017
Manhu, from China
Hailing from the Stone Forest of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, Manhu brings to life the traditions of the Yi people, an ethnic minority group with a rich musical history.  Playing the hulusheng, a mouth organ made from dried gourds, and even an ordinary leaf used as a reed, Manhu shares instruments and songs that are well-known in their homeland but rarely seen on an international stage.

The ensemble has performed throughout China, but this is their first international tour.

April 30-May 4, 2018
Unni Boksasp Ensembe, from Norway

Unni Boksasp is a warm and imaginative singer who draws you easily into the heart of Norway. Over the years, Unni has delved into the deep traditions found across her homeland, studying music and dance with renowned singers and folk arts departments in Norway and beyond.

Her fresh arrangements of folk songs and original compositions have earned wide acclaim: she was a Norwegian national champion of traditional singing in 2010 and 2011 and won a Norwegian Grammy Award and Norwegian Folk Music Award for her 2010 album, Karamello.

The purity of Unni’s voice, her ability to connect with an audience, and the vitality and joy of the entire ensemble ensures you are in for a treat.

Workshops are designed to work with both large and small groups within your classroom schedule.

To schedule a World Fest workshop in your classroom, please contact Loe’l Murphy @ 810.237.7342 or lmurphy@thewhiting.com