M - Museum Leuven | 28.10.2011 at 9.30am 

In conjunction with the exhibition Divine Sounds. Seven Centuries of Gregorian Chant Manuscripts in Flanders (M – Museum Leuven, Sept. 8 – Nov. 27, 2011) and the Passion of Voices festival (held in various locations in Leuven, Oct. 26 – 30, 2011), the Alamire Foundation is joining forces with Illuminare and Resonant for a study-day devoted to the music manuscript in general, with a particular focus on the antiphoners on display in the exhibition.
Drawing on the contribution of specialists from different research areas, this study-day will not only consider the splendid manuscripts now exhibited in M, but will offer a more broad consideration of the study, conservation, preservation and valorisation of these unique, silent witnesses of a (living) music tradition.
The study-day will consist of two elements. In the morning specialists will make short presentations on each of “their” respective manuscripts, providing a glimpse of the most important characteristics of the sources. With the help of rich illustrative materials, the speakers will tell the story of each manuscript. After this the speakers and participants will visit the exhibition, where the manuscripts themselves will add a new dimension to these stories. Participants will have the opportunity to ask more detailed questions and engage in discussion. The afternoon session will consist of 4 keynote lectures, each considering one aspect of the music manuscript. These lectures will range over such aspects as preservation strategies, art-historical issues, and the practical use of sources by today’s musicians.
The study day will be conducted in Dutch and English.

To register go to info@alamirefoundation.be or call +32 16 328750

Price: 20€ - including lectures, entrance to the exhibition and light lunch

The Divine Sounds of plainchant can be heard later that day at the evening concert of Capilla Flamenca in Keizersberg Abbey in Leuven. For tickets go to www.30cc.be.