From "Old Folks at Home" to "New Folks at Home"

Activity: Participating in or organising an eventOrganising an event e.g. a conference, workshop, …

Description

This music workshop initiated a unique cross-cultural dialogue by creatively reimagining the 1851 American folk classic "Old Folks at Home" (by Stephen Foster). I deconstructed its iconic melody and repurposed it as the chorus for a brand-new song, "New Folks at Home," for which original verses were composed. This act of musical fusion served as a powerful metaphor: our experience as young newcomers in Torrão, a village cherished by its elderly residents, was woven into a musical form that honors the past while actively shaping a shared present.

The workshop culminated in the co-creation of "New Folks at Home," a song that expresses our profound gratitude for the villagers' warmth and hospitality. It stands as a testament to how art can bridge generations and cultures, transforming a historical melody into a heartfelt gift for the community.
Period17 Jun 2025
Event typeWorkshop
LocationTorrao, PortugalShow on map

Keywords

  • Torrão Re-imagined
  • Foundation DaST
  • Music Workshop