The aims

In its function as a centre for cultural encounter, Ambronay offers to researchers the possibility of setting their research and methodologies side-by-side with the realities of practical music-making - and vice versa.

Research at Ambronay takes place in an environment where the arts and the public, professionals and amateurs, can meet in an atmosphere of exchange and fruitful debate.

Crossing academic boundaries

The work undertaken at Ambronay is enhanced by a coming together of several different academic disciplines around a single issue; social sciences and musicology, musicologists and musicians, musicians and artists etc... A meeting which is as much intellectual as artistic.

A meeting place

In order to get to grips with complex reality, it is necessary to deconstruct an issue in order to then approach it from a different perspective. This is where an understanding of both the historical and geographical contexts aid in the breaking down of old habits and prejudices. In the same way, there will inevitably be a meeting of differing national practices as researchers and artists from all over the world bring their own complementary approaches to the debate.  

Flexibility

A variety of work patterns and systems of production are put into place to respond flexibly to the needs of any particular project. Following discussion and reflection, it is possible to formulate approaches which are in harmony with the specific focus of the subject. Study days or seminars may open up wider forums of debate; one could even imagine that a subject might inspire a desire to render it, in collaboration with creators or musicians, in an artistic form.

Witness the activities

To include the wider public in Ambronay's activities is one of our major objectives. To make this possible, the public may be invited to study days, symposiums and performances. To preserve Ambronay's capacity for adaptation, experimentation and responsiveness, a space has been specially created for this purpose.

Research partners

The scientific committee
It is the responsibility of the scientific committee to define the parameters of research, and to oversee the fulfilling of Ambronay's double mission of the conservation of a valuable cultural heritage, and the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to it. It therefore comes down to the committee to reflect on possible activities which can be undertaken by the Cultural Encounter Centre, in relation to its theme of music and the sacred, to bring together these dimensions in an approach which is at once both historical and contemporary.

The board of experts
This group unites experts in the field of research, music and the arts, and their regular meetings give rise to the publication of journals and the development of varied and fruitful discussion and thought.

The writers / The publications
Within the framework of the CCR project, Ambronay has incorporated a publishing function. Through already published works, those in production or at the planning stage, the research and discussion activity is therefore constant. The authors are often members of the scientific committee or the board of experts, but equally may have no formal links with Ambronay.