Percy Grainger Symposium
Approaches to Performing Grainger Symposium
26–28 March 2026, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
The Brigham Young University School of Music, in collaboration with the Percy Grainger Society, is delighted to present the Approaches to Performing Grainger Symposium, a two-day exploration of the music of Percy Grainger through a consideration of approaches to, and the contexts of, live performance.
A unique feature of the Approaches to Performing Grainger Symposium is the involvement of the staff and students from the 500-strong BYU School of Music. The school will provide live music throughout the event in the form of concerts, lecture-recitals, performance workshops, and where possible, live musical illustrations to presentation papers.
Percy Grainger
Percy Grainger (1882–1961) was a composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist whose innovative contributions to music were deeply influenced by his Australian heritage and his passion for folk music. His unique approach to composition and performance has left an indelible mark on the world of music, prompting ongoing exploration of his works. This symposium will serve as a platform for examining not only Grainger’s compositions but also the broader implications of his artistic philosophy on performance practice today.
Thematic focus
In recognition of Grainger’s continued importance in the wind-band community, sessions will be divided into a two-track system: track A will explore wind-band music, and track B will explore choral, instrumental and orchestral music, in addition to matters of pedagogy, folk music and ‘Free Music’.
Themes include:
- Approaches to Performance: innovative approaches to interpreting Grainger’s music
- Ethnomusicological Perspectives: insights into Grainger’s fieldwork and its impact on his compositions, as well as discussions on the preservation of folk traditions
- Educational Applications: the role of Grainger’s music in music education and methodologies for teaching his works to students across different levels
Sessions Outline
Symposium sessions include short ‘lightning papers’, standard academic papers, illustrated papers with live music, lecture recitals, and workshops. In addition, two large-scale concerts featuring a wide range of Grainger’s music will be given on each night of the Symposium.
Lightning Papers
Delivered by graduate students and emerging scholars, the lightning sessions last for 10 minutes and are presented in poster session format.
Standard Papers
Each standard paper presentation lasts 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A.
Illustrated Papers with Live Music
Illustrated paper presentations last for up to 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. Presentations may include live musical illustrations by instrumental groups and choirs.
Lecture-Recitals
Lecture-recitals, lasting up to an hour, explore specific pieces of music, or aspects of performance, through an illustrated presentation with live musical examples.
Workshops
With sessions between 60 and 90 minutes, workshops explore practical approaches to performing Grainger’s wind band and choral music.
Dates, Deadlines, and Registration Fees
| Registration |
Full conference with meals: $309 Student rate with meals: $79 |
| February 1, 2026 | Early-bird registration discount ends |
| March 17, 2026 | Registration closes |
Symposium schedule
26–28 March, 2026
The overview of the Symposium can be seen via the tabs below, and a detailed schedule will be published in December. Paper abstracts and biographies of presenters can be accessed via the button below.
| 3:30 p.m. | Registration Check-in |
| 6:00 p.m. | Welcome Dinner |
| 9:00 a.m. | Light Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. | Keynote Speaker |
| 11:00 a.m. | Morning Break |
| Noon | Lecture Recitals |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. | Paper Presentations |
| 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Break |
| 4:00 p.m. | Approaches to Performing Grainger-Lecture Recital |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. | Concert |
| 9:00 a.m. | Light Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. | Paper Presentations |
| 11:00 a.m. | Morning Break |
| Noon | Illustrated Papers with Live Music |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. | Approaches to Performing Grainger-Lecture Recitals |
| 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Break |
| 4:00 p.m. | Illustrated Papers with Live Music |
| 5:00 p.m. | Roundtable Discussions & Close |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. | Concert |
Organization
Dr. Brent Wells
Brigham Young University
USA
Dr. Nate Seamons
Brigham Young University
USA
Jihea Hong-Park
Associate Professor of Piano
Brigham Young University
USA
Dr. Paul Jackson
Percy Grainger Society
USA & UK
Prof. Chalon Ragsdale
Percy Grainger Society
University of Arkansas
USA