Welcome to the 13^th Symposium of the ICTMD Study Group on Music and Minorities, which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from 7 to 12 September 2026!

The International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance (ICTMD) is a global scholarly organization dedicated to the study, practice, and documentation of music and dance in all their cultural contexts. Founded in 1947, ICTMD brings together researchers, performers, educators, and cultural practitioners from around the world. Through its study groups, conferences, publications, and collaborative initiatives, ICTMD fosters international dialogue, supports ethnomusicological and ethnochoreological research, and promotes the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. The organization operates in close cooperation with UNESCO and serves as a leading international platform for the exchange of knowledge on music and dance traditions worldwide. https://ictmd.org

The ICTMD Study Group on Music and Minorities was established in 1999 to bring together music and dance scholars who work with underprivileged and underrepresented individuals and groups. Promoting socially engaged research and documentation, the Study Group accommodates diverse traditions of music and dance from around the world and welcomes new topics, interdisciplinary studies, and innovative perspectives that advance scholarly knowledge. The Study Group's symposia have served as a platform for us to exchange research ideas, stay up to date on emerging trends, and meet future collaborators. For the purpose of this Study Group, the term minority means communities, groups and/or individuals, including indigenous, migrant and other vulnerable groups that are at higher risk of discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, political opinion, social or economic deprivation. https://ictmd.org/studygroup/minorities

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where ancient heritage and modern cultural life coexist dynamically. As a vibrant academic and artistic center, Yerevan hosts leading universities, museums, archives, and performance venues that foster rich intellectual and creative exchange. Its lively music and arts scene, welcoming atmosphere, and compact cityscape make it an inspiring setting for international scholarly gatherings.