CFP – Time Play: Inventing Future Sounds and Scholarship in the Historical Keyboard Realm

The Department of Organ at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance will host its 63rd Organ Conference from Sunday, October 1 – Tuesday, October 3, 2023. We welcome proposals from performers, scholars, composers, builders, and students in the format of talks, performances, lecture-recitals, and roundtables pertaining to the organ, harpsichord, carillon, and sacred music, in either of the following two (2) subject categories. Proposals are invited on the creation of new music that expands the universe of roles and possibilities for musicians and/or instruments, be it in recent years or from a transhistorical perspective. We consider the “creation of new music” broadly to include composing, improvising, commissioning, premiering, publishing, recording, audience engagement, technological innovation, and more. Furthermore, proposals that diversify our understanding of the creation of new music then and now are encouraged, such as topics relating to the 2023 centennial of women’s full entry into carillon culture (CarillonWomen.org). Composers may submit a score for performance consideration, in lieu of an abstract.

Including and expanding beyond that scope, proposals are invited to honor the retirement of Dr. James Kibbie after 42 years of service to the University of Michigan as a professor, and as university organist and department chair. Abstracts in this category may concern any topic of relevance to Dr. Kibbie’s extensive legacy as a performer and pedagogue.

Available instruments include the C.B. Fisk organ, opus 87 in the style of Gottfried Silbermann, the E.M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner organ in Hill Auditorium, the carillons in Burton Tower and Lurie Tower, and a variety of harpsichords.

There are no restrictions on age or nationality of applicants. Composers whose work is selected are not required to attend the conference. Conference registration is $150, free for students, with a pay-what-you-can option for those who need it.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED: April 1, 2023

Co-conveners: Joseph Gascho, Nicole Keller, and Tiffany Ng (University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance)