The Escolanía de Lluc, between Musical Tradition and artistic and pedagogical modernity

Abstract

The Escolanía de Lluc nowadays represents a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, as one of the longest-lived vocal groups in Europe in its category. In spite of its cultural and musical legacy, with more than five centuries of history, we must mention and analyze the process of adaptation by the institution to the times. The first documented appearance of the primitive sis minyons(six children) that integrate the choir dates from 1539. Since then, the institution of Lluc assumed as a priority, but not exclusively, the task of educating their singers. Also, the balance and hold to the natural, religious and social environment, has converted the choir into a powerful cultural identity element of the Majorcan society, reaffirmed during the Franco period, with the interpretation of new and complex repertoires, the study of history, culture and language of the Balearic Islands, and the weight that takes the humanistic formation of children. This structural and educational evolution, and pedagogical approach, has achieved, during 2012-2013, a management model unique in Mallorca: the Escolanía de Lluc as a music school integrated to the academic development of students, where the music is part of daily life from a comprehensive, accurate, enriching and inescapably practical linked to personal growth.