The role of the so-called Culture and Art Societies in the contemporary presentation of the Macedonian music folklore

Abstract

The so-called Culture and Art Societies are significant part of the Macedonian music culture since the middle of the 20th century. Being the most prominent forms of stage performing folk music and dance groups they were already recognized as bearers of the national music in the newly independent Republic of Macedonia after the independence in 1991. In this paper I will try to determine the position and the role of the Culture and Art Societies in the context of the contemporary stage presentation of the Macedonian music culture. It is undisputed that the Culture and Art Societies carry important elements of the national identity from the past into the 21st century. But in the 21st century with all the changes globally and also locally, has their role changed?