The Western canon in classical music as a space of meeting with The Other

Abstract

 This article considersprocesses of exploring and popularising the culture of other nations and civilisations through the example of classical music in the context of cultural safety. The sense of cultural safety, difficult in a changing world, is not possible without openness to the Other, which, in turn, cannot be obtained without appreciating one’s own culture’s values. Taking this line, the author analyses the activity of selected concert halls and contemporary music festivals in Poland and abroad (in Europe and outside). These cultural events manifest various interesting phenomena related to tradition, listeners’ customs, social expectations towards cultural institutions, cross-cultural differences, etc. The performance and perception of a musical piece are communicative acts. Given the right circumstances, they make it possible to come closer to the Other and get to know Him/Her.