On October 15, the 2023 International Computer Music Conference, hosted by the School of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the International Computer Music Association, kicked off at Longgang Cultural Centre in Shenzhen. In his written address, Xiaogang YE, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the ICMC 2023, President of the China Musicians Association, and founding dean of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen, extended a warm welcome to participants from over 30 countries and regions worldwide. He stated that the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen, is hosting this conference to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning in a diverse global context through the medium of music. The conference seeks to explore the role of music technology in art, culture, society, and daily life, bringing together diverse cultures and fostering mutual understanding, deepening relationships through exchanges of ideas, technology, culture, and art. Additionally, it is hoped that this conference will serve as a new starting point, making greater contributions to the innovation of humanities and technology and artistic creation in the future.

Jeffrey Stolet: In Desperate Times

The opening ceremony and the opening concert of the ICMC 2023 were hosted by  Prof. CHAN Wing-Wah and Prof. Fang YUAN, Associate Deans of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen. Prof. Ping JIN, Associate Dean of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen, and the Chair of the ICMC 2023, represented the organizing committee to introduce the highlights and events of the conference. Pamela Z, representing participating artists, delivered a speech. Mengjie QI, the Vice President of the International Computer Music Association, along with directors from various regions of the association, leaders from the Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Longgang District Shenzhen, leaders from the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the Shenzhen Huayun National Traditional Orchestra, enterprises in the field of music technology, and faculty members, students, artists, and numerous media representatives from domestic and overseas universities were also present at the opening concert.

Lidia Zielinska: Threesome_C

Violin: HE Shucong/GUO Jiahe, Viola: YANG Liuyin, Cello: ZHANG Fange

At the opening concert, a diverse range of computer music works were presented by composers and musicians from different countries. The variety of genres and the stunning technical effects showcased were impressive. The performances included interactive computer music works that utilized motion capture sensing technology, real-time sound processing systems, sound synthesis algorithms, and other techniques. They also featured representative works from the history of computer music development. Furthermore, there were classic works that delved into the combination of Chinese traditional music culture, Chinese instrumental performance art, and modern technology. The opening concert, whether in terms of creative techniques, innovative concepts, or the diversity of performances, represented the highest level of international computer music.

ZHANG Xiaofu: Le Chant Interieur for EA Music and Flute

Bamboo flute: WENG Ruofeng

The ICMC is the largest and most important international academic conference in the field of computer music. It is held annually in different countries and regions around the world, and it has been held for 47 years. The ICMC has invited composers, musicians, and scholars from around the world to submit works and proposals in four categories: music, papers, sound installations, and workshops. In total, nearly 800 submissions were received from authors in over 30 countries and regions, making it the largest number of submissions received in the history of the conference. During the conference, there will be 20 concerts, 12 paper presentations, 8 interactive installations exhibitions, 4 workshops, 2 keynote speeches, and 3 special lectures on music industry topics. The annual meeting of the International Computer Music Association will also take place during the conference.

Mari Kimura/Liubo Borissov: Rossby Waving for violin and motion sensor MUGIC®

The International Computer Music Association has awarded the hosting rights of the ICMC 2023 to the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen which comprehensively demonstrates the achievements and strengths of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen in disciplinary construction, scientific research level, talent resources, and other aspects on the international academic platform. Hosting such a high-level international academic event that highlights the important initiatives of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen in the active development of the global music technology field, and it also represents the specific embodiment of Shenzhen’s transition from a technology-intensive development to the expansion into the cultural and artistic domains.

▼ICMC 2023 Schedule▼