SEPTEMBER 2021

“Art Music as Universal Language: Youth Orchestras’ Reactions to Social Conflict”

MARIKO KUNITOMO

ARTICLES

Published September 2021

ABSTRACT

This article identifies the role art music plays in orchestra projects that deal 
with social conflicts of youth populations. I argue that art music serves well in 
this context because it is a universal language that allows for an alternative 
method of communication and expression between the young musicians 
themselves and with others. I apply metaphysical explanations, studies from 
cognitive neuroscience, and philosophy of language in three specific youth 
orchestra contexts: the Retiro Youth Orchestra, El Sistema, and the 
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. These different lenses help uncover why and 
how art music positively impacts the development, both socially and personally, 
of young musicians in a healthier or alternative manner. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33682/vaee-xnr0
PDF

HOW TO CITE (CHICAGO):
Kunitomo, Mariko. “Art Music as Universal Language: Youth Orchestras' Reactions to Social Conflict.” The Interdependent 2 (2021): 71-90. https://doi.org/10.33682/vaee-xnr0