Music and conflict transformation in the post-Yugoslav era: empowering youth to develop harmonic inter-ethnic relationships in Kumanovo, Macedonia

In this article I discuss my recent exploration into the operational interface between applied ethnomusicology and peacebuilding in post-conflict states. I explore how a summer youth music festival provides opportunities to transform conflictual interethnic relationship in contemporary Macedonia (FYROM), a former republic of Yugoslavia. I investigate the role of intercultural music making in promoting ethnic reconciliation and consider how music making processes may motivate young people to engage in an intercultural dialogue through creative and emotional musical engagement. I consider how young participants negotiate their own ethnic identities and relationships with their peers on and off stage and consider their role in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence. I argue for considering applied ethnomusicology in advocating the primacy of the voices and goals of the participants themselves and explore the role of the native ethnomusicologist/anthropologist as an applied practitioner.