The “Music, Sound, Performance” program is sparking a revival in the tradition of musicology at Freie Universität Berlin. “There was a very important institute here for decades,” says musicologist Professor Camilla Bork from the Department of Philosophy and Humanities. “But after German reunification – and due to the restructuring measures brought about by cuts demanded by politicians – Berlin’s musicology courses were mainly held at Berlin’s Humboldt-Universität.” The academic division at Freie Universität was then discontinued in 2015 when Albrecht Riethmüller became professor emeritus. Now at last, solid structures are being put in place for musicology studies at Freie Universität. Firstly, a postdoctoral researcher and another new member of staff will be appointed to support Professor Bork. Secondly, the department will be shored up with a guest professorship specializing in new music as of next winter semester. The new professorship was made possible through funds awarded by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation. After the initial funding phase, Freie Universität will continue the post in a different form.

Camilla Bork explained that the new master’s degree program, which is being run in collaboration with the Humboldt-Universität’s Department of Musicology, will open up current and interdisciplinary perspectives on music and sound. “Music performance is currently experiencing an extensive transformation. Contemporary music is no longer just played in concert venues and opera houses, but also more and more in museums and galleries.” Workshops and collaborative projects will allow students to benefit from their knowledge of contemporary artists, curators, and dramaturgs. This means they can put the skills gained during their studies immediately into practice.