Organology conference “Vox Machinae – contemporary faces of organs”

The Department of Organ, Harpsichord and Early Music at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław
invites you to participate in the organology conference ‘Vox Machinae – contemporary faces of the organ’

In an era of dynamic technological development and growing awareness of cultural heritage protection, the organ – an instrument with a thousand-year-old tradition – is becoming a field of fascinating challenges and innovative solutions. We would like the conference to attempt to answer questions about how today's instruments combine classical form with modern materials, what the contemporary design and sound standards are, and how to maintain a balance between tradition and innovation. ‘Vox Machinae’ is intended to be the voice of tradition resounding through the prism of modernity – a meeting of master craftsmen and sound enthusiasts.

The organisers invite organ builders, instrument designers, musicologists, organists, sacred interior architects, conservators of monuments, as well as students and teachers of art academies whose research, artistic and professional work is related to the theme of the event to actively participate. The aim of the conference is to create a space for interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of contemporary organ building.

The following forms of exchange of knowledge and experience are planned:

• papers (not only problem-oriented, but also analytical) on the history of the instrument in the context of contemporary reconstructions and research or restoration work;
• papers presenting cases of contemporary organ projects;
  thematic discussion panels;
• stands in the open space of the Academy with the possibility of presenting the activities of organ-building companies (in the form of exhibitors);
• workshops for students and young organists;
• a concert accompanying the Conference, featuring the reconstructed organ by Michael Engler in the garrison church in Wrocław.

Conference fees - active participation:

speakers: fee of PLN 300 - costs related to participation in the Conference are covered by the participants or delegating institutions;
exhibitors: fee of PLN 1,000 - costs related to obtaining a stand to present their company's activities are covered by the participants;
participants in discussion panels and workshops: fee of PLN 50 – speakers and exhibitors are exempt from the fee;
Teachers, doctoral students and students of the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music – free participation.
Passive participation – passive participation in the conference is free of charge.

Applications – deadlines and forms
Those interested in actively participating in the Conference are requested to complete the application form:

form for speakers – by 15 February 2026;
form for exhibitors – by 15 February 2026;
form for participants in discussion panels and workshops – by 11 March 2026;
form for passive participants – by 10 April 2026.

Information about acceptance for active participation as a speaker and exhibitor will be sent to you by 28 February 2026. The organisers reserve the right to select papers in the event of a large number of submissions.

We invite you to submit your applications!