Conference on Mechanical Musical Instruments and their
    Use to Historical Performance -- Call for papers!

Papers are invited for a 2-day conference to be held on Sunday 7th and
Monday 8th July 2013 at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama [GSMD],
London.  The event is a collaboration between the Guildhall School and
the National Early Music Association (NEMA) and will focus on all
aspects of how mechanical musical instruments might serve as sources
both for historical repertoire and performance practice.

From water organs to player pianos, the production and reproduction
of music by mechanical means has been a source fascination to many
cultures.  But what impact can the study of these machines have on live
musicians studying the music, and the particular ways of performing
music from past eras?  What are the advantages, issues and problems
connected with this type of research?

The conference will feature papers, a keynote address, a performance
by GSMD students on the Historical Performance programme and also
a visit (to be confirmed) to the Colt Clavier Collection, home of
the barrel organ featured on ERATO's recording of two Handel Organ
Concertos (among other pieces) in the 1980s.

Abstracts, of no more than 250 words for papers of 20 minutes or
lecture recitals of 30 minutes duration, should include the following
information:

- background,
- research questions,
- aims,
- summary of content,
- significance.

Papers will be followed by a five- to ten-minute period for questions.

Abstracts are to be received no later than Friday 1st February 2013
and should be submitted to Emily.Baines@stu.gsmd.ac.uk.geentroep
[delete ".geentroep" to reply].

Emily Baines
http://www.musiciansoflondonwall.com/ 
http://www.musickers.com/