Across the Internet, in the United Nations, and at the dinner table, the debate over cultural appropriation rages on. People argue its merits, pitfalls, and everything in between. A lot of people have skin in this game.
Samuel Deason is one of those people. He鈥檚 a pianist from Saskatoon. He鈥檚 studied at the Glenn Gould School and he鈥檚 toured extensively across Canada.
Deason has been following the cultural appropriation issue for a while. He鈥檚 found himself deep in debate with friends and family over it. He has a strong stance on the topic. Now he wants to share his view with the public.
Deason and Rhea Kim (his girlfriend) are putting on piano recitals across Saskatchewan. It鈥檚 a nine-concert event. Yorkton will be its fourth stop on July 28 at St. Andrew鈥檚 United Church.
The theme of the recital is 鈥淐ulturally Appropriated Piano Classics.鈥�
The recital includes famous piano pieces from around the world to highlight how music is inspired by different cultures.
鈥淲e like playing good music no matter where it鈥檚 from,鈥� Deason says.
Deason was inspired to make this recital after hearing discussions on legislating against cultural appropriation.
鈥淪ome conversations suggest cultural appropriation should be illegal worldwide,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 strongly disagree.鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know how one could make any of this illegal,鈥� he adds. 鈥淚t would be a Pandora鈥檚 box of epic proportions.鈥�
Deason understands cultural appropriation is a touchy subject for people and he says there is a thin line between appropriation and disrespect. But he also thinks its vital to preserve free speech and artistic expression.
Kim, who is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Music in Piano performance, hopes the recital entertains audiences and gets them to think.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important for artists to use whatever elements they want for their work,鈥� she says.
Despite its topical nature, Deason wants people to primarily enjoy the recital as a showcase for music.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an artistic statement with political implications,鈥� he says.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
