This dissertation seeks to explore how musical performance offers a
platform for perceptions of the sacred in contemporary western culture.
Buildings like libraries and museums, and activities like engaging with
art and music are often discussed in terms of replacing churches and
religious practices. Yet, this dissertation departs from the question
to what extent the equation between art and religion holds stake. By
means of a family resemblance approach, it is explored whether artistic
practices may fulfill religious functions, and religious practices may
function in terms of art. One particular field was studied for multiple
years: the annual Dutch arts festival Musica Sacra Maastricht. Founded
in 1983, this multidisciplinary festival offers a long weekend with a range
of classical music - varying from Gregorian chant to contemporary
art music - as well as performances in theatre, dance, and film. The
performances take place throughout the city of Maastricht, in historic
buildings such as churches, chapels, the city hall, and the theatre.
Musica Sacra Maastricht offered a field in which the notions of art and
religion both have a place: they meet, clash, or merge into something
new. The festival proved to be a relevant and exciting research site,
not only in addressing existing questions, but also in demonstrating
a sense of urgency for larger academic understanding of the role of
music (and artistic practices in general) in contemporary perceptions
of the sacred.