A two-day community initiative titled "Echoes of Home: A Kulintang and Community Choir Project" concluded at OCAD University (OCAD U) in Toronto, bringing together community members to explore Filipino identity, diaspora, and cultural preservation through music. Supported by the Ontario Community Changemakers program through 8 80 Cities, the event engaged participants in workshops, community choir singing, and traditional Kulintang gong-chime music. Through intergenerational performance and panel discussions, the initiative fostered meaningful dialogue across cultures and generations within the diaspora.
Intergenerational Gathering Connects Filipino Diaspora To Musical Roots
Led by project lead and ethnomusicologist Andre Lorenz Feria, "Echoes of Home" brought together community members ranging from young children to seniors across multiple interactive spaces at OCAD U. Participants explored traditional regional folk songs, choral arrangements, and hands-on Kulintang gong performance. OCAD University President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano highlighted how art and design deepen cross-cultural understanding, emphasizing that collaborative cultural programs reflect the university's commitment to community engagement.
Expert Panel Discussions Address Authenticity And Diaspora Perspectives
The event featured panel discussions on Philippine musical traditions, identity, and diaspora experiences. Prof. Anna Patricia Carranza, chair of the Department of Music Education at the University of the Philippines College of Music, traced the evolution of music education in encompassing native Asian traditions alongside Western music. Ethnomusicology researchers and facilitators discussed how second- and third-generation Filipinos navigate heritage authenticity while building stronger connections to cultural resources.
Fostering Continuous Dialogue Between Homeland And Diaspora Communities
Philippine Consul General Kristine Leilani R. Salle noted that cultural expressions play a crucial role for overseas Filipinos in maintaining a sense of belonging and sharing heritage with the broader Canadian public. Project organizers urged participants to continue engaging with indigenous instrument makers and cultural practitioners, emphasizing that elders serve as living archives and that ongoing dialogue between Filipinos in the homeland and the diaspora is key to sustaining traditions.
