Year on year, we hope to foster stronger relationships across the globe, using the international language, music.
Year on year, we hope to foster stronger relationships across the globe, using the international language, music.
The 10th Annual World Music Conference will take place virtually on Saturday, 12 December 2026, marking a significant milestone in the conference’s continuing commitment to musical exchange, research, education and community engagement.
This year’s theme, Her Rhythm, Her Health, explores the relationship between music, culture and women’s well-being across the life course. From adolescence and reproductive health to motherhood, menopause, healthy ageing and later life, women experience distinct physical, emotional and social challenges. The conference will consider how music—in its many cultural, creative, therapeutic and community forms—can support expression, connection, resilience and quality of life during these different stages.
Music is more than performance or entertainment. It can provide a space for reflection, encourage social participation, strengthen cultural identity and help people communicate experiences that may be difficult to express through words alone. Singing, listening, composing and making music together may also complement wider approaches to emotional well-being, stress management, movement and community support.
Bringing together musicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, therapists, cultural practitioners and community leaders, the conference will encourage meaningful dialogue across disciplines. Keynote presentations, panel discussions, research contributions and musical perspectives will examine both the possibilities and the limitations of music within women’s health and well-being. Particular attention will be given to culturally informed approaches, inclusive practice and the importance of grounding health-related discussions in credible evidence.
The theme supports the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
As the World Music Conference celebrates its tenth year, Her Rhythm, Her Health invites participants to listen, learn and collaborate—recognising women’s diverse experiences and exploring how music can contribute to healthier, more connected and culturally responsive communities.
Saturday, 12 December 2026 | Virtual Conference
www.worldmusicconference.co.uk
info@worldmusicconference.co.uk
The 10th Annual World Music Conference represents an important milestone in a journey shaped by music, cultural understanding and community participation. Organised by the British Carnatic Choir, the conference has developed over the past decade into an inclusive platform that brings together artists, musicians, young people, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders.
Since its inception, the World Music Conference has worked to make music a meeting place for people of different ages, faiths, ethnicities and cultural traditions. Rooted in the Midlands and open to wider national and international participation, it has encouraged meaningful dialogue, creative collaboration and the exchange of knowledge across communities and disciplines.
A central achievement of the conference has been its commitment to children and young people. By creating opportunities for younger generations to perform, participate and engage with their cultural heritage, WMC has helped foster confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging. These experiences encourage young people to value both their own traditions and the diverse cultural identities of those around them.
Over ten annual conferences, WMC has explored a range of timely themes reflecting the changing role of music in society. Its programmes have considered music not only as an art form, but also as a means of supporting cultural integration, education, emotional expression, social connection and personal well-being. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, research contributions and performances, the conference has created valuable connections between artistic practice, academic research and community experience.
WMC has also strengthened partnerships among musicians, cultural organisations, educators, health professionals and supporters who share a belief in the positive contribution of music to society. Their involvement has enabled the conference to amplify diverse voices, encourage interdisciplinary thinking and promote a more inclusive understanding of world music.
The 10th Annual World Music Conference builds on this legacy through the theme “Her Rhythm, Her Health: Exploring Music, Culture and Women’s Well-Being.”
This year’s programme will examine how music and culturally rooted practices can support women’s physical, emotional and social well-being across different stages of life.
As WMC enters its next chapter, it remains committed to connecting communities, nurturing emerging talent and creating spaces in which music can inspire dialogue, understanding and positive change.
To participate as a speaker or attendee, please contact:
info@worldmusicconference.co.uk
