Global Music and Religious Orders in the Early Modern Era

25–28 June, 2025, Leuven
CfP deadline: 1 December, 2024

Hosted by the KU Leuven and the Alamire Foundation, Abdij van Park, Leuven (Belgium).

Keynotes: David R.M. Irving (ICREA & IMF, CSIC) and Glenda Goodman (University of Pennsylvania)

The early modern period (ca. 1500–1800) saw increased exploration across the globe. A more globalised world facilitated new material, intellectual, and cultural exchanges, which included music. While these transfers were usually led by state-promoted colonial endeavours, religious orders also emerged as key actors, especially through missions in the name of the church. This conference explores the role of religious orders in musical transfers during this age of exploration and colonial expansion. The conference will open new methods of approaching early modern musical encounters, exploring how musical reception can influence religious and social identities within a global context. A wide range of methodologies and approaches are encouraged. We particularly encourage papers on topics that include (but are not limited to):

Dissemination and reception of musical repertories

Musical syncretism

Music and missions

Music and the emotions

Music, power, and diplomacy

Music and persecution

Music and Otherness

Links between music, identity, and belonging

We plan to publish a selection of the papers in an edited volume.

Please complete the application form here. The conference will be held in English. If you have any further questions, please email.