9th Lisbon Conference: Chinese Music and Musical Instruments

We are excited to announce the ninth edition of the Lisbon Conference: Chinese Music and Musical Instruments, which will be held from 5 to 8 May 2026 in Lisbon and Mafra. This prestigious event will bring together scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts of Chinese music to explore the rich cultural heritage and the evolving traditions of Chinese musical instruments.

Conference focus:

The primary objective of the Lisbon Conference is to further strengthen and prioritize the long-standing cultural relations between Portugal and China/Asia, with a particular focus on Macau as a historical and cultural bridge between the two regions. Through academic exchanges, performances, and discussions, the event aims to enhance mutual understanding and foster deeper connections between these rich musical traditions.

We look forward to an enriching and inspiring gathering, which will showcase the diverse world of Chinese music and musical instruments and deepen our appreciation for the ties that bind Portugal and China.

Broadening our scope:

In a dynamic shift that begin at last year’s conference, we are expanding our focus to encompass not only Chinese music and instruments but also the rich musical and dance traditions of several Asian countries. This stimulating development presents a unique opportunity for researchers with expertise in diverse Asian musical cultures to share their insights and discoveries, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.

A confluence of academic discourse and artistic expression:

As in previous editions, the conference will offer a compelling mix of scholarly presentationsand live performances. Participants will have the chance to engage in thought-provoking academic discussions while also enjoying a curated series of concerts and cultural activities. These performances will highlight the varied musical heritages of China, other Asian countries, and Portugal, the host country, offering a truly immersive experience in global music and dance traditions.

Call for contributions:

We warmly invite researchers, scholars, students, and artists specializing in Chinese and Asian music to submit proposals for:

• Individual papers
• Panel discussions

We particularly encourage participation from academics, students, and music practitioners based in China, as well as in other Asian and Western countries. We believe their diverse perspectives—whether ethnomusicological, musicological, analytical, or rooted in firsthand experience as practicing musicians—will enrich our understanding of these traditions and stimulate innovative discussions.

Join us in Lisbon for this unparalleled opportunity to explore, discuss, and celebrate the diverse musical traditions of China and other Asian countries. Together, we can forge new connections, deepen our knowledge, and contribute to the global appreciation of Asian music and dance in our increasingly interconnected world.

Themes:

• Music, dance and performance in China;
• Chinese musical instruments through the ages;
• Macau and its composers;
• Cantonese opera as an expression of identity in Macau;
• Transmission of Chinese music and musical instruments along the silk road;
• Urbanization, modernity, and popular music in China and in other Asian Societies;
• Technology, media, and digital platforms in the dissemination of Chinese and other Asian styles of music;
• Music in other Asian countries and their major genres;
• Asian musical instruments in Western museums and private collections;
• Other topics related to Asian music, dance, and performance.

Scientific Committee:

• Enio de Souza (Chair), INET-md, NOVA University Lisbon
• François Picard, Institut de Recherche en Musicologie, Paris
• Frank Kouwenhoven, CHIME, Leiden
• Helen Rees, UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology, Los Angeles
• Pedro Roxo, INET-md, NOVA University Lisbon
• Salwa El-Shawan Castelo-Branco, INET-md, NOVA University Lisbon
• Shao Xiao Ling, DeCA, University of Aveiro
• Susana Sardo, INET-md, DeCA, University of Aveiro

Programme Committee:

• Enio de Souza (Chair), INET-md, NOVA University Lisbon
• Pedro Roxo, INET-md, NOVA University Lisbon
• António Pedro, Musicology, NOVA University Lisbon
• Joana Lopes, Musicology NOVA University Lisbon
• José Dionísio, Musicology, NOVA University Lisbon

Presentations and panels:

The organizers are accepting proposals for individual presentations and panel sessions comprising 3-4 speakers. The maximum length for abstracts is 300 words for individual papers and 300 words for panel proposals (individual abstracts within a panel should be limited to 250 words). Proposals should specify which conference theme they align with. Proposals may be submitted, and presentations delivered in English. Each presentation should last 30 minutes, with 20 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for questions and answers. Additionally, please submit a brief biography, with a maximum length of 150 words.

If needed, the Programme Committee can provide an invitation letter after the abstracts have been selected.

Fees:

• €60.00 for researchers
• €10.00 for the general public

Deadline:

The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 March 2026. Authors will be notified of abstract acceptance by 31 March 2026.

To submit your proposal or for further information, please contact Enio de Souza (Chair) at eniosouza@fcsh.unl.pt

Organization:

• Institute of Ethnomusicology – Centre of Studies in Music and Dance (INET-md), NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Sponsoring and Support:

• Jorge Álvares Foundation
• European Foundation for Chinese Music (CHIME)
• Municipality of Mafra
• Confucius Institute form the University of Aveiro
• Confucius Institute form the University of Minho

This conference is made possible with the generous support of the Jorge Alvares Foundation, whose longstanding commitment to the promotion of Chinese music in Portugal has been instrumental since the event’s founding in 2016.

This event is partially supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. by project INET-md – Institute of Ethnomusicology – Centre for Studies in Music and Dance, reference UID/00472/2025, DOI: 10.54499/UID/PRR/00472/2025.