At City College on May 23^rd, the powerful non-profit Multicultural Music Group gave a performance entitled The Caste System in India, A Musical Performance and Dialogue on the Indian Caste System lead by the MMG Orchestra and MMG Youth Orchestra. This performance was a part of the group’s Multicultural Music Encounters, which according to their website consists of the presentation of a piece written by commissioned composers from various cultures, with the goal of giving exposure to a particular critical historical event in a part of the globe that has been traditionally excluded and or underrepresented pedagogically and in the media.

Having no prior knowledge of the group or the work that they do, I tuned into The Caste System in India excited at the prospect of interacting with a part of the history of a culture that I am not largely exposed to or informed about, and intrigued at MMGs ability and dedication to making this history available and accessible through music. After viewing parts of their performance, however, I am more convinced than ever in the importance of the arts as a tool in combatting the exclusivity and narrow focus of the media we consume and the history we are taught- as well as the exclusivity of art itself. It is also important in making the process of informing oneself and exposing oneself to other cultures, beliefs, values, and ways of life more human and relatable. In this particular case, the incredible performance given by the Multicultural Music Group and their Orchestra and Youth Orchestra accomplished their mission, while also proving the need for the representation and dissemination of art from historically underrepresented and excluded regions, countries, cultures, races, and ethnic groups- to name a few.

 It is often said that music transcends barriers, that it speaks to us in ways that other mediums can’t and through the emotions it evokes in us communicates a message when just words don’t do it justice.  If I believed this before, I certainly believe it now. An incredible meld of soul and sound, the performance exuded history and culture, joy and pain; beautiful, powerful, and diverse instrumentation, compositions showered with wisdom, emotion, beauty, and passion  Chaudhary, a piece composed by Amit Trevedi, orchestrated by Alec Castro, and conducted by Ali Bello was more than a performance; it was something to be felt and experienced. There are moments of peace, calm, and serenity juxtaposed marvelously with moments of upbeat-ness, energy, and powerful percussion. I really appreciate being able to view the piece in all its pride and beauty- it was a piece that commanded the room and spoke for itself.

Powerful Performances: Multicultural Music Group It is difficult to venture out of one’s comfort zone, but it is absolutely necessary to do so. This concert series is an opportunity to do so. It is evident that, as the MMG expresses, that there are a myriad of rich histories that are not explored or taught to us in our schools or in the media. This is something that needs to be challenged- and the Multicultural Music Group is doing just that.

Lu Perez is from the Eastchester section of the Bronx but currently resides in the Fordham area. Being Latina and growing up in a predominantly Hispanic/Latinx community in the Bronx has been a great influence in the way she writes. Her appreciation for her Dominican heritage comes through in Lu’s work. From the slang, the open fire hydrants during the summer, the sticky streets and booming music have become pieces in the puzzle that forms Lu’s identity; these are the experiences that have had a profound effect on the way Lu perceives the rest of New York, and the world.

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