The International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) 2026 will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from May 10–16, 2026, bringing together composers, performers, researchers, and technologists from around the world to explore current practices and future directions in computer music and sound art.

ICMC 2026 is a collaborative effort by four Hamburg-based universities: the Hamburg University of Music and Drama (HfMT Hamburg), the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), the Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg), and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) – as well as their jointly founded ligeti center. Named in honor of the Hungarian composer and former HfMT student György Ligeti, the interdisciplinary center bridges the arts, science, technology, and health in innovative projects, workshops, and performances that foster discourse and participation. Thus, the ligeti center’s core missions have inspired this year’s ICMC theme: Innovation, Translation, Participation.

The conference is primarily centered in the Harburg district, with events hosted at TU Hamburg, the ligeti center, and nearby cultural venues. Alongside a rich program of concerts, paper presentations, installations, workshops, and performances, ICMC HAMBURG 2026 revives the tradition of the Off-ICMC: a series of companion events designed for the broader public, engaging the local community in Harburg and the wider Hamburg metropolitan area.

Please check back in the coming weeks for updates on the ICMC HAMBURG 2026 schedule, keynote speakers, and special events.