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Celebrating Communities Through Music
A major initiative of the American Composers Forum and the National Endowment for the Arts, Continental Harmony links composers with communities across the country. Originating as a Millennial Celebration , the program’s overwhelming success is extending the reach of new music, building civic pride in communities, and providing new markets and artistic challenges for composers.
Between 2001 and 2003, 35 communities across the country are being selected to host composer residencies and mount a musical celebrations expressing important aspects of local life. A panel organized by the Forum selects host communities from proposals submitted by coalitions of community groups. The Forum staff then assists selected communities in developing plans for the commission and residency, identifying local performers, and developing residency activities. Composers are invited to apply to the communities with ideas for turning their plans into realities. Local selection committees choose the composer with whom they wish to work, assuring matches that meet each community’s needs.
The first round of Continental Harmony projects, the Millennial Celebration, brought composers into 58 communities across the country. A comprehensive study of these projects showed not only their success but also the lasting impact they’ve had on their participants.
What was the impact?
•Communities experienced an enhanced sense of place.
•Divided communities successfully began the process of reconciliation.
•Strong bonds and deeper understanding developed between generations.
•Local artistic and cultural resources were not only validated but also expanded.
•Coalitions of community groups were formed, improving civic vitality.
•Communities gained significant works of art that were uniquely their own.
•Composers found new roles, artistic challenges, and fulfilling relationships working in communities.
•Everyone had fun.
With the success of the Millennial Celebration, the Forum and the NEA have decided to once again bring Continental Harmony to communities across the country. Let the celebrations continue!
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