Intercultural Institute

The NEC Intercultural Institute (ICI) presents monthly workshops, performances, festivals, conferences, and residencies by guest scholars and artists in musical traditions from every continent.
Cross-cultural guests scholars and artists visit academic classes and ensembles across departments, inspiring curiosity and a deeper understanding and appreciation of music from cultures around the world. All ICI events are free and open to the Conservatory community and general public.

Meet the Director: Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol
Grammy-nominated composer, multi-instrumentalist, ethnomusicologist, and NEC Music History and Musicology faculty member Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol is the Director of NEC’s Intercultural Institute.
Past Events
- Concert in Solidarity with Afghan Musicians (March 14, 2026)
- Intercultural Explorations: Bimusicality vs. Exoticism (March 13, 2026)
- Exploring the Intercultural Musical World of Antonio Sánchez (March 11, 2026)
- Classical Ottoman/Turkish Kanun Workshop (October 15, 2025)
- Mbira Music of Zimbabwe Workshop (October 8, 2025)
