Wind Music – Cultural Heritage in Transition 28th International Conference on Wind Music (IGEB)

How do the past and future of wind band music influence our present?
Regarding the past, this topic brings to the forefront the use of archival materials such as score manuscripts and instruments, which are researched and adapted for contemporary artistic practice. It also highlights the cultural heritage of wind bands and their historical and current roles in society. Musicology’s growing interest in the history of wind bands offers new insights into their repertoire and performance practices, as well as approaches to edition.

Looking towards the future, novel technologies – such as augmented reality and AI-generated scores and audio – promise to influence wind music communities. We invite research that explores the impact of these innovations on music production, education, and dissemination, and how they intersect with societal changes. These developments are transforming the ways in which wind band musicians engage with their art today, and we seek to understand how they shape modern music-making.

Sunday, 5 July 2026

On the Sunday of the conference, you can choose between different activities in and around the city of Bern. Short distances between the different locations will allow you to participate in several activities as well as discover beautiful Bern by yourself.

The registration to follow is only for the social program on Sunday, 5 July 2026. Please register here for conference participation. 

Klingendes Museum, Bern – Exhibition «Anno 1811»

9–10 am / 10–11 am
Price: Free

Immerse yourself in the era of the first Swiss wind bands with the special exhibition 'Anno 1811, the beginnings of wind band music in Switzerland' and discover the permanent exhibition 'C’est le vent qui fait la musique'. Since the museum is relatively small only two timeslots are offered.

Zytglogge (Tower of Zytglogge) – Tour of Zytglogge

12.15–1.15 pm
Price: CHF 16

The Zytglogge is one of Bern’s best-known landmarks and is situated only a few steps from the museum. A one-hour guided tour will provide insight into the workings of the clockwork and the medieval figurines it is famous for.

Alphorn Course

in the afternoon, various time slots, each lasting 1 hour
Price: CHF 50

Enjoy an introductory experience with the alphorn - the iconic instrument of the Swiss Alps - in a session led by Yannick Wey. Participants will join small groups (3–5 people) for a 60-minute lesson on the music and technique of playing. Players of all abilities are welcome as no prior knowledge is required.

Gurten

2–4 pm
Price: Each participant is responsible for their own travel expenses. If you have a Bern Ticket, you can use public transport in Bern free of charge. (You will receive a Bern Ticket if you stay at a hotel in Bern.)

The Gurten is a hill on the outskirts of Bern with gorgeous views all over the city as well as the alps of the Bernese Oberland. We will meet at 2pm at the Talstation of the Gurtenbahn (which can be reached by the tram number 9 to “Wabern, Gurtenbahn”) and take the funicular to the top of the hill.

Conference Dinner - Restaurant Rosengarten

6 pm
Price: CHF 55

At the conference dinner at restaurant Rosengarten, which is as the name suggests located in the Bernese rose garden, you can enjoy perhaps the most beautiful views of the old town of Bern.