The International Bagpipe Organisation presents the
EIGHT INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE CONFERENCE
6-8 March 2026
in LEUVEN/BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Co-organised with the University of Leuven
and the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels
SAVE THE DATE!
EIGHT INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE CONFERENCE
6-8 March 2026
in LEUVEN/BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Co-organised with the University of Leuven
and the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels
SAVE THE DATE!
Call for Papers
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Timeline
Abstract submission deadline: 15 September 2025 Abstract acceptance notification: 15 October 2025 Abstract length: 250 words Call for Papers The International Bagpipe Organisation warmly invites you to participate in the Eighth International Bagpipe Conference (IBC) to mark International Bagpipe Day 2026 (10 March), a celebration of the world’s diverse bagpipes and bagpiping traditions. This year’s conference is organised in collaboration with the University of Leuven, the City of Leuven, 'T Ey Muziekclub, Muziekmozaïek, and the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels. In 2026, the conference moves to Belgium (after venturing to Bulgaria in 2024). We are delighted to host our first conference in this country, renowned for its longstanding bagpipe history and culture. The conference will spread over three days, starting on Friday evening with a social event (details still to be confirmed). The conference will take place at the University of Leuven on Saturday, with a more socialising that evening. On Sunday, we will move to Brussels, a 20-minute train ride away. The conference will conclude with a series of panels at and a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels on Sunday, all to the sound of Belgium’s bagpipe communities who will perform throughout the day in the foyer of the Museum. The conference is a productive and welcoming platform for all people interested in the study of bagpipes: musicologists, ethnomusicologists, musicians, music experts, instrument makers, dancers, and music lovers. This event is an exciting interdisciplinary opportunity to engage with various questions relating to the study of bagpipes both historically and contemporarily. All are welcome, whether you choose to present or simply listen and enjoy the atmosphere. The IBCs are friendly events, open to all, promoting bagpipes from all around the world. Presenters from across the world are welcome to present on themes directly linked to bagpipes. Papers touching on other themes such as organology, playing techniques, ornamentation, history, iconography, instrument making, recordings, archiving, collecting, and composing are welcome. Interested participants are to submit a paper title, an abstract of no more than 250 words, complete with an institutional affiliation or profession and contact details by 15 September 2025 here: https://forms.office.com/e/iSHxyTpByP Due to a large number of applications in previous years, abstracts from people who are applying for the first time or who did not present in 2024 will be prioritised. This is to encourage a wider scope of presenters. We do, however, encourage everyone to attend the conference, regardless of whether you are presenting or not. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 October 2025. Programme Committee: Dr. Roger Landes (Texas Tech University, USA) Dr. Cassandre Balosso-Bardin (KU Leuven, Belgium) Dr. Jean Pierre van Hees (Formerly Lemmens Instituut, Leuven, Belgium) Dr. Anais Verhulst (Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels, Belgium) For more information or details about past conferences, including abstracts of past papers, please browse our website. IBC Local organising committee: Saskia Willaerts (MIM) Anais Verhulst (MIM) Cassandre Balosso-Bardin (KU Leuven/IBO) IBO Committee: Cassandre Balosso-Bardin Roger Landes Jan Debaillie 
University Library, Leuven
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Old town hall, Leuven
Facade of the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels
Conference schedule:
Friday 6 March – afternoon International arrivals Friday 6 March 2022 – evening Social event in Leuven (details to be confirmed) Saturday 7 March 2022 Day: International Bagpipe Conference University of Leuven, Faculty of Arts (centre town) Evening: Dinner and Bring your own bagpipe – curated session in Leuven Sunday 8 March 2022 Morning: Train to Brussels (23 minutes) Conference papers at the Musical Instrument Museum of Brussels Afternoon: Visit of the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels Evening: parting drinks in Brussels
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