Call for Papers Announced for International Conference in Prague

Joensuu, Finland - The International Society for Orthodox Church Music (ISOCM) has announced a call for papers for the International Conference for Orthodox Music in Prague – ICOMP / Ars Nova East and West which will be held in Prague, 14 – 16 October 2016 at Charles University. The deadline for submitting papers is 15 April 2016.

In addition to the ISOCM, other organizers include the Faculty of Education of Charles University, Prague and the Philokallia Association.

The Conference Theme The idea of a Byzantine ars nova has existed for some time as a description of the elaborate repertories of kalophonic chant, on the analogy of the western mediaeval "new art". It is also useful, however, as a term to include other kinds of "new art" in the field of Orthodox church music.

This conference aims to explore the idea of innovation in Orthodox chant, from the Byzantine period to compositions written today; topics include, but are not limited to, the way in which innovation can be reconciled with tradition, analysis of the reception of different kinds of innovative repertories, correspondences and contrasts between Eastern and Western techniques of chant composition, and discussion of the means and techniques by which an "ars nova" might be implemented.

In addition, 2016 is the 700th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Roman Emperor, King Charles IV (born in Prague in 1316); papers related to music during his reign, and its ramifications in both East and West, will therefore also be particularly welcome.

Submitting a paper

Papers should be no longer than 20 minutes (thus allowing discussion time of 10 minutes) in duration and will be published online as the Proceedings of the Conference.

It is expected that all participants will submit their papers with any necessary corrections and alterations in time for publication. A short abstract of the paper (c. 150 words) should be sent to the Organizing Committee at icomp2016@gmail.com by 15 April 2016.

Sugestions for panel sessions are also welcome.

The language of the Conference is English.

The Conference will take place at the Charles University in Prague. Participation fee: €50 Euros.

Participation in the Conference and the publication of a text whose topic has been accepted by the Scientific Committee are conditional upon payment of the participation fee. Travel expenses, per diem expenses and hotel accommodation are to be covered by participants. The organizers will provide assistance with finding affordable accommodation and meals; information about this, and other details, will be forthcoming in the near future.

Registration Registration must be effected by 15 April 2016

Click here to register.

Scientific Committee: Dr Grigoris Anastasiou – Ιnstitute of Byzantine Musicology, Athens Prof. Dr Achilleas Chaldaeakes – National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Very Rev Dr Ivan Moody – CESEM - Universidade Nova, Lisbon Prof. Dr Stanislav Pecháček – Charles University, Prague Dr Maria Takala-Roszczenko – University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu

Organizing Committee Dr Marios Christou – Charles University, Prague Very Rev Dr Ivan Moody – CESEM - Universidade Nova, Lisbon Dr Maria Takala-Roszczenko – University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu

Additional information For more information, please contact: Fr Ivan Moody or Dr Marios Christou at icomp2016@gmail.com

Founded in 2005, the ISOCM seeks to provide an open platform for musicians, musicologists, singers, and composers that encourages dialogue, the exchange of information and ideas, and inspires cooperation. The Society sees the promotion of communication between East and West as one of its priorities and hosts biannual conferences, at the University of Eastern Finland on its Joensuu campus.

The Society also hosts regional symposia and gatherings elsewhere throughout the world to help create opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in the field of Orthodox liturgical music.