Wednesday 1 September 2010

ISME 29th world conference Media Release

The 29th ISME World Conference was held from August 1 to August 6, 2010 in Beijing. The conference was hosted by ISME, the China Conservatory of Music and Music Education Branch of Chinese Society of Education. It was strongly supported by Nanchang University, the Chinese Musicians Association, the Beijing Government, Hailun Pianos, Dr Sun Music, Eurovista Arts Management, NAMM (International Music Merchants) and the Gibson Foundation.

The largest ISME Conference ever held, it attracted international delegates from around 65 countries and together with the Chinese music educators, was attended by 4,000 delegates. There were about 900 presentations given by 773 presenters from around the world. The presentations included papers, workshops/demonstrations, class lesson demonstrations, symposia, roundtables and poster sessions. A feast for any music educator, and choices were difficult to make.

Moving and thought-provoking keynote addresses were given by Chen Yi (Distinguished Professor at the Conservatory of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Changjiang Scholar Visiting Professor at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music), Bruno Nettl (Professor Emeritus of Music and Anthropology, University of Illinois) and Liu Limin (Director-General of Beijing Municipal Education Commission). A special session Showcasing the ISME-Gibson Awards was presented by the ISME President, Håkan Lundström, highlighting the ISME-Gibson Community Award and the ISME-Gibson International Awards. The latter for 2010 were awarded to two Chinese projects, submitted by WU Bin and XIE Jiaxing. Further details on these awards can be found on the ISME website (www.isme.org).

A large-scale multi-media Opening Concert Colourful Silk Road was an outstanding start to the Conference week, showcasing the best music and dance cultures from around China. The 2nd Beijing Traditional Music Festival was incorporated into the ISME Conference activities and held at the China Conservatory of Music. This was sponsored by the Chinese Government and besides performances throughout the week, on Wednesday evening for "China Night" the groups were featured in Night of China – Sound and Vision from the Tang Dynasty. This was followed by the outdoor Folk Music Carnival which was held under a clear sky in balmy weather.

An amazing number of performing groups (47) representing musics of many cultures from around 20 countries performed throughout the week. Exposure to some of this music was a unique experience for most of the delegates. In all, about 2800 performers took part during the week.

The ISME 2010 Beijing Music Show was supported by local and international exhibitors and attracted great interest from delegates and visitors from the wider community. Thanks to all who worked so hard for the success of this 29th ISME World Conference, and to all those who supported this magnificent event.

Welcome to the 30th ISME World Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece from 15-20 July 2012!

August 15th 2010

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