ESCOM as the life work of Irène Deliège: Irène Deliège in conversation with Jukka Louhivuori

ESCOM has established itself as an influential actor in the field of cognitive sciences of music. The journal, Musicae Scientiae, including its special issues, discussions forums, the ESCOM conferences and smaller symposia, have all contributed significantly to the field. Although many people have contributed to ESCOM's activities in important ways, the society is very much the life work of Irène Deliège. She is the founding editor of Musicæ Scientiæ and the founding Permanent Secretary of ESCOM.

The aim of publishing the following interview is to ensure that interesting and important details about ESCOM's background will be on record for future use. The conversation took place in Brussels in June 2009. It began with biographical memories of her Irène's childhood, her studies, and other important events in her life. The main focus of the discussion was the history of when and why the society was established, who was involved in this process and what role ESCOM has played in the various sub-disciplines involved with the study of music.

This article is no memorial, nor merely an expression of gratitude for nearly two decades of dedicated effort but reflects the important need for any society to draw on the wisdom those people who have the greatest knowledge of, experience in and history with that society. Irène Deliège is certainly one of those people. She continues her active work in the society as a member of the executive committee.