International musicological conference 'Through the Prism of Chopin: The Cultural Life of the Piano (1927–2027)'

In view of the approaching centenary of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 2027, the Chopin Institute invites researchers to reflect on the evolution of performance traditions, institutional practices and aesthetic values surrounding the piano over the last 100 years, both within and beyond the Competition. The proposed thematic areas are not restrictive; papers related to the conference theme that extend beyond these areas are equally welcome.

 

1. Performance and pedagogy

 

The formation and transmission of performance styles, the evolution of piano pedagogy, and the relationship between pedagogical approaches and competition practices over the past century.

 

2. Piano development and preservation

 

The materiality of pianos from Chopin’s time and afterward; the impact on modern performance of different historical types. Historically informed performance; issues of restoration, conservation, sustainability, digitisation and access. The dual role of pianos as historical artifacts and functional objects used in live and recorded performances.

 

3. The Chopin Competition and its reception

 

Competition culture and the changing values associated with Chopin performance over time; the role of the Competition in shaping or changing how Chopin’s music is interpreted. The role of the jury: how aesthetic criteria have altered; questions of authority and controversy. The reception of the Competition, the role of audiences throughout its history, and changing trends in public reception – including the role of media, from the press to social media. Chopin and identity: the role of his music and the Competition in constructing national and international identity; music as a tool of cultural diplomacy.

 

Dates

 

The conference is planned for 18–20 October 2027 in Warsaw.

 

Programme highlights 

 

The conference programme will also include:

 

– a demonstration and workshop about historical pianos and performance on period instruments;

 

– a panel discussion on the care and use of historical instruments from museum collections;

 

– a presentation of findings from a research project investigating audiences of the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition conducted by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in cooperation with Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the University of Wrocław. See more: https://chopinsurvey.nifc.pl/about 

 

Academic Committee

 

Jonathan Bellman (University of Northern Colorado)

Lisa McCormick (University of Edinburgh)

John Rink (University of Cambridge)

Joanna Ślaga (Jagiellonian University Museum)

 

Submission guidelines

 

Please submit registration forms with abstracts in English, 300–400 words in length, together with a short biography, by 31 January 2027 to the following e-mail: conference[at]nifc.pl

 

Paper presentations should not exceed 20 minutes in length. Remote participation will not be available.

 

Fee

 

The fee for participation in the Congress is 100 euro (400 PLN). It must be paid to the account of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute by the 30 June 2027.

 

See details

PL 71 1130 1017 0020 1462 3620 0008 (EUR)

or

PL 39 1130 1017 0020 1462 3620 0002 (PLN)

SWIFT CODE: GOSKPLPW

 

The organizer does not offer accommodation but does offer cold and warm meals for all participants during the breaks.

 

Publication

 

The authors of papers selected for the conference will be invited to contribute to a peer-reviewed post-conference volume, following the Institute’s standard editorial process.

 

Queries

 

Please send any queries to: conference@nifc.pl