The Responsibility of the Artist: Resistance, Otherness, Exile 1926–2026 Colloquium

The theme of the colloquium is the consequences of totalitarianism for people and music communities through research and art (music), with a special focus on the Holocaust and Russian/Soviet totalitarianism, which has taken on new forms in the 2020s.

Two-day international scientific colloquium

In 21 – 22 September 2026 a two-day international scientific colloquium in Music Centre Helsinki will take place to provide viewpoints on questions of Music, Memory and European Values (MMEV) project themes. In the project, funded by the European Commission Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, University of the Arts Helsinki Sibelius Academy’s theme is The Responsibility of the Artist: 
Resistance, Otherness, Exile 1926–2026. The project examines the consequences of totalitarianism for people and music communities through research and art (music), with a special focus on the Holocaust and Russian/Soviet totalitarianism, which has taken on new forms in the 2020s.

Invited speakers

The invited speakers of the two-day Colloquium will include Susanna Välimäki (University of Helsinki), Dario Martinelli (Kaunas University of Technology) and Henrik Rosengren (University of Lund). 

Masterclass by Keval Shah

The event also consists of a Masterclass in 21 – 22 September 2026 led by lecturer Keval Shah from University of the Arts Helsinki Sibelius Academy and Irène Kudela (pianist and vocal coach). The participants of the Masterclass will be Sibelius Academy advanced students from the Vocal Music department, and listeners are also welcome. 

Concerts and venues

Both colloquium days are concluded with the concerts. On Monday, the there will be arranged the lecture recital concert, and the closing concert will be arranged on Tuesday.

The colloquium will take place in the Music Centre’s auditorium, and the Masterclass and concerts will be arranged in the Camerata Hall. 

Programme and pre-registration in May 2026

The organizers welcome everyone interested, and attendance is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. The language of the events is English.

The programme and pre-registration form will be published in May 2026.

Ajankohta

21.9.2026 – 22.9.2026

Sijainti

Auditorium, University of the Arts Helsinki

Mannerheimintie 13 A

00100 Helsinki

Camerata, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki

Liput

Free entrance

Sijainti kartalla

Katso reittiohjeet