Global Music History and Northern Europe in the 18th and 19th Centuries

University of Copenhagen, 15–16 May 2026

Deadline for proposals: 15 Feb. 2026

We invite proposals for papers exploring global music histories connected to Northern Europe in the long 18th and 19thcenturies.

Building on previous networks of trade and imperial expansion, the 18th and 19th centuries saw Northern Europe emerge as a power of industrialisation, colonisation, trade, and cultural exchange. Some areas (e.g. those connected to the British Empire) have already seen significant recent scholarship in global music history, while other areas of Northern Europe (e.g. Scandinavia) are ripe for a more systematic inclusion of approaches from global music historiography. With this conference we seek to bring together scholars who are interested in creating critical narratives of Northern Europe and its global musical pasts (including music’s intersections with other artforms).

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

-       Colonial histories; post-, de-, and anticolonial interventions

-       Resistance, rebellion, freedom struggle

-       Exploitation, appropriation, assimilation

-       Exchange, trade, diplomacy

-       Migration, movement, exile

-       Art music and popular repertoires

Note: We define “Northern Europe” in the broadest sense, from the Low Countries and Northern Germany in the south to the Arctic in the north and from the Baltic region in the east to the British Isles in the west. We welcome papers on any topic related to this geographic area and its global reach, i.e. colonies, trade networks, diplomatic relations, diasporas etc.

We welcome abstracts (max. 250 words) for papers of 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes Q&A). please include a short bio (max. 75 words). Submit as a docx or pdf to mkv@hum.ku.dk by the 1st of February 2026.

There will be some funding for stipends to help cover the costs of travel and accommodation for some participants. Priority will be given to early career scholars (Ph.D. students, post.docs., and assistant professors); and scholars from or with roots in current/former colonies. When submitting your proposal, please indicate in your email if you want to apply for this funding.

Programme committee:

Mikkel Vad, Jens Hesselager, and Peter Koch Gehlshøj, the University of Copenhagen.

The conference is supported by HUM:Global Seed Money at the University of Copenhagen