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The establishment of the Institut de Recherche et de Coordination
Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM), to open in 1976 in Paris, is a major event
in the history of music.  Never before has such a concentration of energy
and resources been dedicated to new music which must find
its roots in both new uses of the performer and new applications of technology.
A special building is under construction which will have, in addition to
laboratories and studios, a unique experimental performing space which will
allow great flexibility in both the visual and acoustical properties of the room.

The general conception of IRCAM as a structured research
environment where scientists and musicians will interact in pursuit of
problems of common interest belongs to Pierre Boulez who will serve as director
of the institute.


Ten years ago Stanford's unique balance between the humanistic and technological
disciplines allowed the development of a project in research in computers
and music.  Over the years the research activity increased, gaining international
recognition, and was integrated into the curriculum of the Department of Music.
The project has grown to include researchers from music, computer science,
engineering, and psychology, in effect, an interdisciplinary research team
which parallels the IRCAM conception on a smaller scale.  In 1974 Stanford
decided to put the computer music project on a more substantial base which
would give greaater support to its teaching and research functions.  The
Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) was therfore formed
and financial support has been granted from both the National Science Foundation
and the National Endowment for the Arts, some of which support must be matched
from private sources.

One of Pierre Boulez's principle concerns is that IRCAM not become intelectually
isolated, but to the contrary, actively encourage interaction and coordination
of research on an international level.  The IRCAM-CCRMA seminar being held
at Stanford is the first example of what is proposed to be a continuing
interaction between the two.

************************************
Bob, consider this and I will talk to you when I return from France on
Monday the 14th.  I will also try and get a hundred or so copies of the
IRCAM brochure when maybe we could pass out at the reception.  I will also
try and get the CVs of the IRCAM people while I am there.

					john