Lector Ties van de Werff is the new director of the Maastricht Centre for the Innovation of Classical Music as partners Maastricht University, Philzuid and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences renew collaboration
Lector Ties van de Werff from the research centre What Art Knows at Zuyd University has been named new director of the Maastricht Centre of the Innovation of Classical Music (MCICM), a collaboration between Maastricht University, Philzuid and Conservatorium Maastricht at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. The coming two years, MCICM will work on curriculum innovation at Conservatorium Maastricht, an experimental concert with Philzuid in 2027, dissemination of their research portfolio, and securing a sustainable future for MCICM.
About his appointment, lector Ties van de Werff states “I feel really honoured to take up this role at MCICM. Since 2018, we have developed innovative research projects, a strong international network, and many experimental concerts. I hope to further strengthen this unique collaboration, within our institutions and beyond, so that musicians, students and teachers have a home for experimentation.”
The partners’ investment for innovation of classical music further demonstrates their commitment and expands their contributions to Limburg and to their respective sectors. The continuation of two more years provides an opportunity for the three institutions to build on their experience and strengthen their shared commitment to the innovation of classical music.
From 2018 to 2026, MCICM was under the leadership of Prof. dr. Peter Peters of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Peters was intensely involved in the creation of the centre with then director of Philzuid Stefan Rosu. Under Peters, MCICM researchers held several research projects and interventions.
These include the NWO-SIA funded project ‘Artful Participation’ led by dr. Ties van de Werff and Imogen Eve; dr. Veerle Spronck’s doctoral thesis titled Listen Closely: Innovating Audience Participation in Symphonic Music'; dr. Denise Petzold’s doctoral thesis titled ‘Archives of Change: An Art Conservation Studies Approach to Innovating Classical Music’; and Neil Smith’s postdoctoral research focused on concert halls.
During this time, MCICM also published the edited collection ‘Classical Music Futures: Practices of Innovation’ edited by Neil T. Smith, Peter Peters and Karoly Molina and published by Open Book Publishers. In addition to these projects, during Peter’s leadership, MCICM hosted several symposia, seminars and workshops, some in person and some online due to the COVID pandemic.
Prior to his retirement, director and founding father of MCICM prof. dr. Peter Peters (UM) passes the baton to lector Ties van de Werff (Zuyd) as head of the collaboration. The steering group members, partners, researchers and staff thank prof. dr. Peter Peters for his vision, dedication and care.
For more information about MCICM, please visit www.mcicm.nl.