Barbara Boisits

Professor Barbara Boisits is a distinguished musicologist currently serving as Head of the Musicology Department at the Academy of Contemporary History Graz (ACDH), part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as a leading scholar in Austrian music history and the historical development of musicology as a discipline. Her academic journey began with musicology studies at the University of Graz (KFU), where she completed her doctorate in 1996, followed by habilitation at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in 2008.

Professor Boisits' research focuses on the history and methodology of musicology, with particular expertise in Austrian music history from the 19th and 20th centuries. She approaches musicological inquiry through cultural studies perspectives, examining the intersections of music with identity, space, and broader socio-historical contexts. Her current research projects include the comprehensive Austrian Music Lexicon, studies on the early history of musicology as a discipline, and specialized research on Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler.

Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with foundational figures in musicology, particularly Guido Adler and August Wilhelm Ambros, while also exploring broader themes like music sociology, media research, and the relationship between music and historical events such as the 1848 revolutions. Professor Boisits has held significant leadership positions including Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (2014-2018) and Deputy Director of the Institute for Art and Music History Research (2013-2017), reflecting her standing within the academic community.

• Current leadership of the Musicology Department at ACDH since 2020
• Extensive research on Central European music history
• Development of methodological approaches in historical musicology
• Integration of cultural studies perspectives into musicological inquiry

Professor Boisits continues to shape the field through her editorial work, including contributions to 'Musicologica Austriaca' and 'Anklaenge. Wiener Jahrbuch für Musikwissenschaft,' as well as her ongoing leadership in major research initiatives documenting Austria's rich musical heritage.