International Scholarly Conference held in connection with the Handel Festival in Halle (Saale), Germany, 7–9 June 2027
What directions should research on the life, works, and reception of George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) take in the coming decades? Which areas still require further research? What challenges arise from evolving conceptions of research in the humanities and cultural studies, including their methods, materials, and objectives in the 21st century? How do advances in research and media technologies in Digital Humanities and the field of Artificial Intelligence shape this process?
These and related questions shall form the focus of a deliberately broad-based conference. We welcome contributions presenting new insights into Handel research, but also especially papers that outline future research agendas or draw attention to urgent areas of needed research. The organizing institutions (see below) suggest several possible thematic areas, including:
“Handel in the context of Global Music History”, “Handel in the Digital Realm”, “Handel in Halle”, “Handel Soundscapes”.
We invite scholars to participate in the conference by presenting a 20-minute paper in either English or German. The conference will be held, for the first time, in a hybrid format (via Zoom), enabling accessible participation for researchers and attendees worldwide. Papers should preferably be presented in person at the conference venue; in exceptional cases, virtual live presentations will be accepted.
Applications including a proposed topic, an abstract (max. 250 words), a short biography and an indication of the preferred mode of participation (in person or fully digital presentation) should be submitted by 31 October 2026.
The hotel booking for speakers will be arranged by the office of the Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Gesellschaft. Accommodation costs will be covered for a maximum of four nights in a single room. Travel expenses will not be reimbursed. To support the participation of early-career researchers, applications for travel grants may be submitted.
The annual Händel-Jahrbuch, published in both print and as an e-book, offers the opportunity to publish selected conference papers. The editors reserve the right to make the final selection and will invite authors to develop their contributions into publishable articles shortly after the conference. Completed contributions must be submitted by 30 September 2027 and are scheduled for publication in the Händel-Jahrbuch in June 2028.
Veranstalter: Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Gesellschaft e. V., Internationale Vereinigung; Stiftung Händel-Haus Halle; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Musik, Medien- und Sprechwissenschaften, Abteilung Musikwissenschaft.
Contact:
Conference proposals:
Dr. Annette Landgraf, landgraf@musik.uni-halle.de
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hirschmann, wolfgang.hirschmann@musik.uni-halle.de
Hotel reservations and travel grants:
Ulrike Harnisch, gesellschaft@haendel.de
Händel-Jahrbuch:
Dr. Teresa Ramer-Wünsche, teresa.ramer-wuensche@musikwiss.uni-halle.de