Conference taking place 27-30 January 2027
Go join an orchestra! That is the proper place to appreciate the players of clarinet, flute, oboe and bassoon; the times are past when these wandering artists came in hordes to perform on their boring lonely pipes.
Woodwind instruments, their players, and their repertoire have often been treated as peripheral in histories of 19th century music, Hanslick’s dismissive characterisation reflecting a wider notion that their golden age had ended. As a result, woodwind performance in this period is less widely understood than other instrument families, and researchers face particular challenges relating to the availability of instruments, primary sources, contextual information, practical support, and appropriate critical and methodological frameworks. Most importantly, however, we lack regular opportunities to come together and discuss our work among a community of specialists.
This conference will be a space to share ideas, address common challenges, and discuss the future of our research field. It is open to all researchers working on topics relating to woodwind performance in the long 19th century, including graduate students, independent researchers, artistic researchers, and instrument makers. There will also be workshops for advanced student performers and chamber ensembles.
Submission guidelines
Proposals are invited for papers (20 minutes), lecture-recitals (30 minutes) and panel sessions (45 minutes) on all topics relating to woodwind performance c. 1789–1914, including but not limited to instruments, players, repertoires, performance practices and cultural and contextual issues. Approaches based in artistic research, organology, and historical musicology as well as related disciplines are all welcomed. A variety of historical keyboard instruments will be available across the two venues.
Proposals should include an abstract (250 words) and biography (max 150 words) together with any technical requirements.
The official language of the conference will be English.
Important dates
Deadline for submission of proposals: 30 June 2026
Notification of selection by 31 July 2026
Registration fee will be confirmed when registration opens in September 2026
Conference committee
- Dr Emily Worthington (University of York/Orpheus Instituut Gent)
- Dr Anne Pustlauk (Royal Conservatoire Antwerp)
- Dr Christopher Palameta (Royal Conservatory Brussels/Royal Conservatory of The Hague)
