New Director for the Institute of Musical Research (IMR)

Professor John Irving to join from Bristol

The Institute of Musical Research , School of Advanced Study, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Director, Professor John Irving  , from 1 August 2009.

He replaces Professor Katharine Ellis who was appointed as inaugural Director of the IMR in December 2005.

Professor Ellis says, ‘The IMR will be in excellent hands. I look forward to watching it thrive under Professor Irving’s leadership, and to becoming one of the thousands of attendees who will participate in the future that he creates for it’.

Professor Irving is currently Professor of Music History and Performance Practice at the University of Bristol.

Professor Irving says, ‘I am thrilled to be taking up the Directorship of the Institute of Musical Research. Under the clear-headed guidance of my predecessor, Katharine Ellis, the IMR has established itself since its inception as a key player in UK musical research, and has been notable for supporting a wide range of activities, including – crucially – postgraduate training.

‘While committed to a broad spectrum of research perspectives on music, I am especially keen to advance practice-based research agendas, to regionalise the IMR strongly, and to talk to Higher Education Institution research directors, concert halls, ensembles and a diversity of communities beyond the immediate reach of academe, as well as research funders in helping to define agendas for expanding the accessibility of music research, reclaiming it for communities of all kinds.’

Professor Irving’s principal research interests are the keyboard and chamber music of Mozart; the fortepiano (on which he is an active performer of classical period repertoire); baroque and classical performance practice; and English music of the Elizabethan period.

For further information, please contact:
• Andy Williamson  , Head of Communications, University of London –  T: (020) 7862 8020
• Barry Taylor , Director of Communications and Marketing, University of Bristol – ; Tel: (0117) 928 8867

Notes:
Located at Senate House in the heart of Bloomsbury, the Institute of Musical Research is the youngest of the ten Institutes comprising the University of London's School of Advanced Study. It was established in 2005 and began operation in 2006. It offers high-quality conference space and administrative support, dedicated study space and office facilities for visiting fellows, and infrastructural support for projects and research groups. Modest funds are available to co-sponsor events and research facilitation initiatives.

The IMR is a national resource nested within the central University of London. It is designed to benefit everyone interested in advanced musical study, from independent researchers to large educational institutions within, and also beyond, the UK. For academic events it offers both a geographical hub where researchers can benefit from the accessibility of the capital, and an infrastructure capable of supporting collaborative initiatives across the country. In addition, the IMR hosts collaborative e-projects with international reach.

Working with individuals, specialist groups, learned societies, and local and national partners, the IMR enhances cross-disciplinary understanding and helps showcase the quality and diversity of musical research taking place within the UK. Its activities are designed to maximise benefit nationwide. Where possible, they are offered free of charge. The IMR  website, and the web pages associated with its research projects, provide an information gateway open to all.