2023 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Society for Musicology in Ireland (SMI), a registered charity that organises annual conferences, promotes publications and supports musicologists and other music scholars across the island. SMI also actively raises public awareness of music research and champions the place of music in higher education.

The Society is hosting this special two-day symposium to celebrate its anniversary year. With the captivating theme of Music for Stage and Screen, this is the first time an SMI event takes place at the National Opera House in Wexford.

Set in the unique surroundings of the Jerome Hynes Theatre, the symposium will feature a keynote address by Professor Peter Franklin (University of Oxford) and a broad range of illustrated talks on topics relating to opera and Ireland; music for silent film and sound film; music for theatre and ballet; projecting opera on screen; and music for contemporary TV series.

Other activities over the two days of this celebratory symposium include:

A special evening recital on Friday 10 March in which Sharon Carty (mezzo-soprano) and Una Hunt (piano) will perform repertoire featured in soundtracks to well-known films
A roundtable discussion involving SMI presidents of the past two decades with international guests
An interview with Dr Karina Daly on the history of Wexford Festival Opera
Tours of the National Opera House for symposium attendees
Registration includes:

Admission to the recital on Friday 10 March
Tour of the National Opera House
Buffet lunch
Morning and afternoon refreshments
Wine reception