The Department of Organ at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance will host its annual U-M Organ Conference on Sunday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 7, 2025. We invite proposals in the realms of organ, carillon, harpsichord, sacred music, and early music that investigate the relationship and impact of time in its many manifestations—meter, tempo, rhythm, etc.—on musical composition, structure, performance, and instruments, as well as the influence of musical-temporal constructs on the human condition. Conversely, proposals may explore how music, tone, and timbre affect perceptions of time. We welcome transhistorical approaches and topics concerning diverse faiths, cultures, and musics. Of particular interest are proposals pertaining to how time shapes sacred music and liturgical practice in various faith traditions.
Proposals are encouraged from performers, scholars, composers, builders, and students in the format of talks, performances, lecture-recitals, and roundtables. Composers may submit a score for performance consideration in lieu of an abstract. A single score submitted may not exceed 10 minutes.
Travel to Ann Arbor is not required, and travel funding is not available. Letters of invitation are available when needed for visa processing.
Available instruments include:
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Aeolian-Skinner organ, Opus 664-A in Hill Auditorium (Central Campus)
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C.B. Fisk organ, Opus 87 in the style of Gottfried Silbermann in Blanche Anderson Moore Recital Hall, E.V. Moore Building (North Campus)
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Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ, Opus 25 at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church (adjacent to Central Campus)
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Carillons in Burton Tower (53 bells, John Taylor & Co., 1936) and Lurie Tower (60 bells, Royal Eijsbouts, 1996)
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A variety of harpsichords (William Hyman, 1980: French double manual; Keith Hill, 1992: German double manual; William Dowd, 1984: Franco-Flemish double manual after Ruckers; Peter Fisk: French double manual; Hill and Tyre, 1980: German single manual; David Sutherland: Flemish single manual; Willard Martin, 1974, French single manual)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 1, 2025
Co-conveners: Joseph Gascho, Nicole Keller, Tiffany Ng, and Caroline Robinson (Department of Organ, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance)