International Music Competitions: Intersections of Art, Society, and Politics (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, 7-8 April 2027) Call for Papers Call for Submissions

CALL FOR PAPERS

International Music Competitions: Intersections of Art, Society, and Politics

Workshop (April 7–8, 2027, mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna) in preparation for a Special issue (Journal of Musicological Research)

“Le producteur de la valeur de l’œuvre d’art n’est pas l’artiste mais le champ de production”. With this statement, Pierre Bourdieu succinctly encapsulates his theory of the intricate relationship between artistic value and socio-institutional structures, as elaborated in Les Règles de l’art (1992). This sociological perspective on the conditions of artistic value has also left its mark on cultural studies-oriented musicology. This is evident in the growing emphasis on social, political, and institutional contexts in reflections on musical-cultural practices and aesthetic norms.

A sociocultural approach is equally valuable for examining international music competitions. After all, these events constitute cultural spaces in which (aesthetic) judgments about artistic performances are negotiated through institutionally regulated procedures, which in turn are significantly shaped by social and political contexts. Thus, while music competitions ostensibly serve as stages for assessing artistic excellence, they also simultaneously function as showcases for social values and cultural representation.

In the light of numerous anniversaries of internationally renowned classical music competitions that will be celebrated in 2027, the workshop aims to conduct an interdisciplinary and cross-sectional exploration of international music competitions over the past century as sites where art, society, and politics intersect.

The workshop is conceived as preparation for a special issue of the double-blind peer-reviewed Journal of Musicological Research. Guest-edited by Bianca Schumann, the issue will assemble a selection of contributions presented during the workshop.

Interested scholars are invited to submit an abstract (max. 250 words) and a short biography (max. 120 words) in German or English by October 15, 2026 to Bianca Schumann (schumann-b@mdw.ac.at). The workshop’s languages are German and English. The workshop will take place in person; hybrid participation may be possible in justified cases. Early career researchers may apply for financial support to cover accommodation and travel expenses.

Workshop website: https://www.mdw.ac.at/imi/internationale-musikwettbewerbe/#English