TORONTO | 2026

CHINESE INTRUMENTAL MUSIC SYMPOSIUM

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE OF CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN ONTARIO, ACROSS CANADA

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS OPEN!

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Submit now

February 28, 2026

Deadline for submissions

April 1, 2026

Review outcomes | Registration begins

May 1, 2026

Deadline for submitting revised abstracts and for author(s) of approved submissions to finalize registration

February 28, 2026

Deadline for submissions

April 1, 2026

Review outcomes | Registration begins

May 1, 2026

Deadline for submitting revised abstracts and for author(s) of approved submissions to finalize registration

February 28, 2026

Deadline for submissions

April 1, 2026

Review outcomes | Registration begins

May 1, 2026

Deadline for submitting revised abstracts and for author(s) of approved submissions to finalize registration

Overview

Welcome to the webpage of the Chinese Instrumental Music Symposium (CIM-S), to be held in-person August 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.

This symposium is a one-day event to facilitate dialogue of Chinese instrumental music activities and developments in Ontario and across Canada. The symposium aims to bring together scholars, educators, and professionals alongside community members to share ideas, exchange experiences, and explore the potential of Chinese instrumental music activities in North America through a variety of formats including presentations, roundtables, and workshops. The symposium will end with an evening concert revolving around the symposium’s theme, featuring a call for scores for the Spark Ensemble.

We invite Chinese instrumental music participants at all levels of experience to register, as this would be an ideal opportunity to discover and showcase current projects, network, and to celebrate Chinese instrumental music together.

Events include:

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Keynote discussion panel on symposium theme.

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Keynote discussion panel on symposium theme.

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Keynote discussion panel on symposium theme.

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Concert showcase featuring a call for scores for the Spark Ensemble.

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Concert showcase featuring a call for scores for the Spark Ensemble.

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Concert showcase featuring a call for scores for the Spark Ensemble.

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Resource sharing, Workshops, and masterclass opportunities.

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Resource sharing, Workshops, and masterclass opportunities.

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Resource sharing, Workshops, and masterclass opportunities.

Symposium Theme

"Past, Present, and Future of Chinese Instrumental Music in Ontario and across Canada"

By exploring Chinese instrumental activities within Ontario and across Canada, this symposium seeks to shed light on the unique perspectives and developments of Chinese instrumental music outside Asia and the multifaceted environments in which they occur.

The symposium also seeks to explore the possibilities of emerging musical practices and administrative processes such as advanced music-making techniques and notational practices, and how they may be reshaping our understanding and perception of Chinese instrumental music in various cultural frameworks. 

Presentation Types

CIM-S invites presentation submissions in the following formats:

CIM-S invites presentation submissions in the following formats:

Individual Presentations

Proposals for spoken presentations of up to 25 minutes and related to Chinese instrumental music are welcome. A designated Q&A period will be added at the end of each session.

Workshops, Demonstrations, and Masterclass (Half/Full)

Workshops, demonstrations and masterclass offer opportunities for hands-on engagement, showcasing new methods, analysis, or prototypes. Sessions may be a half session (25 minutes) or a full session (50 minutes) and should include practical demonstrations and interactive discussions.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Examples: Technique showcase, score analysis, instrument making/maintenance

Roundtable

Roundtables will consist of 3-5 speakers on a specific topic, mediated by an organizer. Sessions should last 50 minutes and include an introduction of each speaker, followed by a designated discussion period. Please ensure that at least half of the presenters involved in the (especially the organizer) will be physically present at the venue.

Performance (Symposium/Concert)

Performances provide a first-hand experience of current Chinese instrumental interests and facilitate dialogue. A symposium session will be a 25-minute programme, and a concert slot will be a maximum of 15 minutes. Ensembles of up to 8 players will be considered. CIM-S reserves the right to select specific segments or request adjustments to the submission.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Call for Scores

CIM-S is excited to open a call for score category in collaboration with the Spark Ensemble to explore the possibilities of a mixed contemporary Chinese instrumental music ensemble. The chosen submission(s) will be provided a half workshop slot in the symposium and premiere their work in the closing concert. Please refer to the Call for Scores section for details.

Individual Presentations

Proposals for spoken presentations of up to 25 minutes and related to Chinese instrumental music are welcome. A designated Q&A period will be added at the end of each session.

Workshops, Demonstrations, and Masterclass (Half/Full)

Workshops, demonstrations and masterclass offer opportunities for hands-on engagement, showcasing new methods, analysis, or prototypes. Sessions may be a half session (25 minutes) or a full session (50 minutes) and should include practical demonstrations and interactive discussions.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Examples: Technique showcase, score analysis, instrument making/maintenance

Roundtable

Roundtables will consist of 3-5 speakers on a specific topic, mediated by an organizer. Sessions should last 50 minutes and include an introduction of each speaker, followed by a designated discussion period. Please ensure that at least half of the presenters involved in the (especially the organizer) will be physically present at the venue.

Performance (Symposium/Concert)

Performances provide a first-hand experience of current Chinese instrumental interests and facilitate dialogue. A symposium session will be a 25-minute programme, and a concert slot will be a maximum of 15 minutes. Ensembles of up to 8 players will be considered. CIM-S reserves the right to select specific segments or request adjustments to the submission.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Call for Scores

CIM-S is excited to open a call for score category in collaboration with the Spark Ensemble to explore the possibilities of a mixed contemporary Chinese instrumental music ensemble. The chosen submission(s) will be provided a half workshop slot in the symposium and premiere their work in the closing concert. Please refer to the Call for Scores section for details.

Individual Presentations

Proposals for spoken presentations of up to 25 minutes and related to Chinese instrumental music are welcome. A designated Q&A period will be added at the end of each session.

Workshops, Demonstrations, and Masterclass (Half/Full)

Workshops, demonstrations and masterclass offer opportunities for hands-on engagement, showcasing new methods, analysis, or prototypes. Sessions may be a half session (25 minutes) or a full session (50 minutes) and should include practical demonstrations and interactive discussions.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Examples: Technique showcase, score analysis, instrument making/maintenance

Roundtable

Roundtables will consist of 3-5 speakers on a specific topic, mediated by an organizer. Sessions should last 50 minutes and include an introduction of each speaker, followed by a designated discussion period. Please ensure that at least half of the presenters involved in the (especially the organizer) will be physically present at the venue.

Performance (Symposium/Concert)

Performances provide a first-hand experience of current Chinese instrumental interests and facilitate dialogue. A symposium session will be a 25-minute programme, and a concert slot will be a maximum of 15 minutes. Ensembles of up to 8 players will be considered. CIM-S reserves the right to select specific segments or request adjustments to the submission.

Only proposals for onsite presentations will be considered for this category.

Call for Scores

CIM-S is excited to open a call for score category in collaboration with the Spark Ensemble to explore the possibilities of a mixed contemporary Chinese instrumental music ensemble. The chosen submission(s) will be provided a half workshop slot in the symposium and premiere their work in the closing concert. Please refer to the Call for Scores section for details.

All presentations will be in English. Automated translation services may be available upon request on a limited basis. We encourage participation in person, but limited remote presentation slots may be available for individual presentations.

All presentations will be in English. Automated translation services may be available upon request on a limited basis. We encourage participation in person, but limited remote presentation slots may be available for individual presentations.

Submit in 3 simple steps:

Submit in 3 simple steps:

Submit now

Submit now

Submit now

01

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Decide

Decide which category your submission falls under and ensure they follow the category format.

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Prepare

Read and understand about your submission category guidelines.

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Submit

Fill out your designated form located at the bottom of the 'Submit now' page.

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