6-8 March 2026, Leuven and Brussels
Call for Papers
International Bagpipe Conference 2026
The eighth edition of the International Bagpipe Conference will be held at the University of Leuven and the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels on 6-8 March 2026.
DEADLINE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025
The International Bagpipe Organisation warmly invites you to participate in the *Eighth International Bagpipe Conference* (IBC) to mark International Bagpipe Day 2026 (10 March), a celebration of the world’s diverse bagpipes and bagpiping traditions. This year’s conference is organised in collaboration with the University of Leuven, the City of Leuven, and the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels.
In 2026, the conference moves to Belgium. *We are delighted to host our first conference in this country, renowned for its longstanding bagpipe history and culture.
The conference will spread over three days, starting on Friday evening with a social event (details still to be confirmed). The conference will take place at the University of Leuven on Saturday, with a more socialising that evening. On Sunday, we will move to Brussels, a 20 minute train ride away.
The conference will conclude with a series of panels at and a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels on Sunday, all to the sound of Belgium’s bagpipe communities who will perform throughout the day in the foyer of the Museum.
The conference is a productive and welcoming platform for all people interested in the study of bagpipes: musicologists, ethnomusicologists, musicians, music experts, instrument makers, dancers, and music lovers.
This event is *an exciting interdisciplinary opportunity to engage with
various questions relating to the study of bagpipes both historically and
contemporarily. *All are welcome, whether you choose to present or simply listen and enjoy the atmosphere. *The IBCs are friendly events, open to
all, promoting bagpipes from all around the world*.
Presenters from across the world are welcome to present on themes directly linked to bagpipes. Papers touching on other themes such as organology, playing techniques, ornamentation, history, iconography, instrument making, recordings, archiving, collecting, and composing are welcome.
Due to a large number of applications in previous years, abstracts from
people who are applying for the first time or who did not present in 2024
will be prioritised. This is to encourage a wider scope of presenters. We
do, however, encourage everyone to attend the conference, regardless of whether you are presenting or not.
Successful applicants will be notified by 15 October 2025.
Image: Old town hall of Leuven, Belgium
Programme Committee: Dr. Roger Landes (Texas Tech University, USA), Dr. Cassandre Balosso-Bardin (KU Leuven, Belgium), Dr. Jean Pierre van Hees (Emeritus Lemmens Instituut, Leuven, Belgium), Dr. Anais Verhulst (Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels, Belgium),
Conference schedule
Friday 6 March
Afternoon: International arrivals, Evening: Social event in Leuven (details to be confirmed).
Saturday 7 March, Day: International Bagpipe Conference at the University of Leuven, Faculty of Arts (centre town), Evening: Dinner and Bring your own bagpipe – curated session in Leuven.
Sunday 8 March
Morning: Conference papers at the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels, Afternoon: Visit of the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels, Evening: parting drinks in Brussels
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