Dates: 1–3 July 2010
Location: Institute of Musical Research, University of London, Senate House
Guest speakers include: James Dillon (University of Minnesota), Tina K. Ramnarine (Royal Holloway, University of London), David C. H. Wright (Royal College of Music), Emile Wennekes (Utrecht University), Kathryn McDowell (London Symphony Orchestra)
Conference abstract: Edward Elgar described the symphony orchestra as ‘the mighty engine, the vehicle of the highest form of art ever known to the world’, and from the 1880s onwards this widely held belief gave orchestral music a prominent place in British musical life. In the 21st century, however, such a position is perhaps no longer tenable.
What kind of society might have given rise to such a sentiment? Did other societies across the globe value orchestral music as highly? What might the orchestra’s place be in future societies? How have the changes undergone by different cultures and societies affected perceptions of the orchestra in the intervening period? To what extent can the orchestra be said to have played a role in the formation of those same cultures and societies?
This conference seeks to address such questions, with an emphasis on a comparative, contextual approach, which we believe will better illuminate the significance of local and national idiosyncrasies.
Call for papers: The Programme Committee warmly welcomes proposals focusing on economic, political, social and cultural developments connected with the symphony orchestra and their effects on composers, performers, conductors, producers, artistic directors, back-room staff, recording engineers, public and private broadcasters, recording companies, publishers, critics, scholars, audiences, listeners, viewers, fundraisers, patrons, arts councils, and so forth; or the ‘outcomes’ of their activity, including, but not limited to, such things as scores, recordings, concerts, lectures, essays, books, criticism, interviews, commissions and contracts. Those submitting proposals may also wish to address the relationship between historical context and place (such as venues, cities, and countries), or the formation and dissemination of ideas about the orchestra. We encourage a range of critical and methodological approaches, and welcome papers that discuss all type of music-making associated with symphony orchestras regardless of accepted aesthetic categories.
Proposals of 250 words maximum are invited for the following:
· Papers (20 minutes maximum, with 10 minutes discussion)
Proposals of 650 words maximum are invited for the following:
· Themed paper sessions of three or four papers (to include a proposal of 300 words maximum outlining the purpose of the themed session, along with brief explanations of each of the individual papers to be included – each paper to be 20 minutes maximum plus ten minutes discussion)
DEADLINE for proposals: 5pm (GMT), Monday, 30 November 2009
Results Announced: mid-January 2010
Preliminary Programme: mid-January 2010
Please submit by email, in an attachment including your full name and contact details, to the IMR Administrator Mrs Valerie James, at music@sas.ac.uk
Proposals will be anonymised before consideration by the Programme Committee.
Programme Committee: Stephen Cottrell (Goldsmiths College, University of London), Rachel Cowgill (Liverpool Hope University), Jonathan Cross (University of Oxford), John Irving (Institute of Musical Research), Jann Pasler (University of California, San Diego), Julian Rushton (University of Leeds), Derek B. Scott (University of Leeds).
Convenors: Duncan Boutwood (University of Leeds), Roddy Hawkins (University of Leeds).
Please email Roddy Hawkins with any queries: r.w.m.hawkins@leeds.ac.uk
