The Academy of Music in Cracow invites participants to the 16th edition of the International Scholarly Conference from the series "Music in Relation to the Poetry and Teachings of Karol Wojtyła and John Paul II", held as part of the 20th John Paul II Days, under the theme “(Un)Certainty”.
The conference will take place on November 3–4, 2025, in the Professor Mieczysław Tomaszewski Senate Hall at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Cracow.
The deadline for submitting proposals is May 30. There is no conference fee.
Organized since 2010, the sessions from the "Music in the Face of the Poetry and Teachings of Karol Wojtyła / John Paul II" series are part of a broader spectrum of events initiated by the academic community in Cracow during the John Paul II Days. Initially, the project focused on exploring music in relation to the figure of the Polish Pope. Over time, however, it evolved into interdisciplinary gatherings centered on the ideas of John Paul II (expanded to include other humanistic perspectives), especially concerning the role of culture, art, and Christian values in the contemporary world.
This year’s edition takes place under the motto (Un)Certainty. This broad and open-ended theme allows for a wide range of reflection on the relationship between art (especially music) and spirituality, on the presence of existential questions about meaning in art, on the spiritual condition of today’s world in particular, and on how these issues resonate in musical works.
As 2025 marks twenty years since the death of John Paul II, the organizers encourage a special focus on his thought.
In keeping with the tradition of past conferences, the organizers also welcome presentations continuing research on the traces of John Paul II’s thought and persona in music (e.g., through dedications, texts, or inspirations), as well as papers exploring sacred music and the role of the sacred in contemporary music and culture.
To apply, please send your proposal and a short abstract to:
