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)
Student travel bursaries: Thanks to a grant from the British Academy, the IMR is now able to offer a maximum of 10 bursaries of up to £50 each for travel and accommodation costs for postgraduate students wishing to attend the conference. Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship, details of the sum requested, and provide a short summary of the reasons for attendance at the conference. Applications should be sent to music@sas.ac.uk and arrive no later than 1 June. Notification of the outcome will occur within a few days of this deadline. If successful, the bursary will be awarded on the production of receipts. Applicants are expected to pre-book transport in advance of the event in order to secure the most favourable fares.
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.
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
