Yearly gathering of UCLA music scholars, teachers, and graduates highlighted at the 63rd Ethnomusicology Conference
2018 Society for Ethnomusicology Conference Highlights Explored Jewish Music and Iranian National Identity
The 63rd annual Society for Ethnomusicology Conference, held in Albuquerque, brought together over 1,000 international ethnomusicologists, musicologists, anthropologists, and scholars of sound studies for a two-day exploration of diverse musical cultures. Among the many captivating presentations and panel discussions, a focus on Jewish music and Iranian national identity emerged as a significant theme.
At the conference, scholars and performers collaborated to showcase new material, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Lillian Wohl from the University of California, Los Angeles presented "An Opulent Silence: Cantors and Jewish Liturgical Music in Twentieth Century Argentina," while Jardena Gertler-Jaffe from the University of Toronto offered insights into "Challah and Roses: Jewish Music in Toronto's Kensington Market."
Mark Slobin from Wesleyan University chaired the panel on Jewish Music in the North American Diaspora, where Simone Salmon from UCLA examined "This is what Migration Sounds Like: Songs of Ottoman Jewish Cultural Relationships, 1920-1989." UCLA Ethnomusicology Lecturer, Mohsen Mohammadi, presented "Traditional Modernities: Modern Discourses on Traditional Iranian Modal System," shedding light on the complexities of Iranian music and its evolving identity.
Moreover, UCLA Chair of Ethnomusicology, Mark Kligman, was a panelist in the event "Musical Tradition and Modernity in Iranian National Identity." The program also included presentations and panels dedicated to the study of Iranian music, such as Behzad Namazi from Ohio University's "A Musical Repatriation: Tracing the Resurgence of the Barbat in Iran."
While the search results do not provide direct detailed information about the specific key topics and presentations at the 2018 SEM Conference, especially with respect to Jewish music and Iranian national identity, further research in SEM archives or academic databases would be needed to locate this information with precision.
For those seeking exact session titles or presenter names related particularly to Jewish music or Iranian national identity from the 2018 conference, the official conference program or proceedings, often archived on the Society for Ethnomusicology’s website or in related academic publications, would be the most relevant sources. Alternatively, contacting scholars known for expertise in Jewish music or Iranian music within ethnomusicology, who often participate in SEM conferences, could also provide valuable insights.
In summary, the 2018 Society for Ethnomusicology Conference provided a platform for scholars to delve into the intricacies of Jewish music and Iranian national identity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of ethnomusicology.
Engaging scholars and performers at the conference, Mark Kligman, UCLA Chair of Ethnomusicology, discussed "Musical Tradition and Modernity in Iranian National Identity," delving into the complexities of Iranian music and its evolving identity. Moreover, Lillian Wohl and Mohsen Mohammadi, from the University of California, Los Angeles, presented sessions focusing on Jewish music, with Wohl offering insights into "An Opulent Silence: Cantors and Jewish Liturgical Music in Twentieth Century Argentina," and Mohammadi exploring "Traditional Modernities: Modern Discourses on Traditional Iranian Modal System." These presentations highlight the role of education and self-development in online-learning platforms such as the conference, where learning through entertainment, like music, fosters a dynamic understanding of various cultures and national identities.
