Participants in the 2026 Young Music Research Conference visit the Archives and Libraries of Seville Cathedral

As part of the 2026 Music Research Conference, organised by the Department of Musicology of the “Manuel Castillo” Higher Conservatory of Music of Seville, which is being held on 15, 16 and 17 April, attendees visited the Historical Archive of Seville Cathedral, as well as the Capitular Colombina Library of Seville Cathedral.

The activity enabled young researchers and professors to gain first-hand knowledge of the extraordinary bibliographic, documentary and musical heritage safeguarded by these institutions, which preserve essential collections for the study of Seville’s liturgical, musical and cultural history. During the tour, participants received detailed explanations not only about the organisation, preservation, cataloguing and description of the collections, but also about the history and content of the books and documents they were viewing. This contextualisation allowed them to understand the value of primary sources and their direct relationship with historical musical practice in the Cathedral. In addition, they had the exceptional opportunity to access original materials and testimonies, whose direct observation significantly enriched the educational experience.

The technical staff of the Archives and Libraries accompanied the group at all times, providing specialist guidance that deepened understanding of the relevance of these collections and presenting accessibility and improvement projects designed to facilitate advanced research.

This visit forms part of Seville Cathedral’s commitment to disseminating its bibliographic and documentary heritage and to promoting musicological research, fostering encounters between young scholars and the historical sources that underpin their academic work.