Internationally acclaimed singers, composers, conductors and educators from around the world will come together in St. John’s for the inaugural international Symposium on Singing and Song on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The musical event is being presented by The Singing Network, an international collective of individuals and organizations based at Memorial University.

From Oct. 1-4, the symposium will attract some of the world’s finest clinicians for four days of presentations, dialogues, performances and networking.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming such incredible talent to our city, known for its vibrant culture of singing and choral music,” said Prof. Ki Adams, co-founder of The Singing Network and a professor with Memorial’s School of Music and Faculty of Education. “The weekend’s schedule features 80 presentations, representing 11 countries, from leaders in every area related to singing and song; everything from health and wellness to composition and choral conducting.”

“The Singing Network was established to create unique connections between our local community and international leaders in the areas of singing and song,” added Dr. Andrea Rose, fellow Singing Network co-founder and a professor in Memorial’s Faculty

of Education. “The Symposium on Singing and Song will bring together local cameo performers, choirs and educators to share the stage with our international colleagues, as we continue to expand this incredible network of creative and innovative individuals.”

The Symposium on Singing and Song’s five featured keynote presentations reflect its truly international reach, in addition to scheduled presentations from leading experts from across the globe:

• Eriks Ešenvalds (Latvia), composer. As one of the most sought-after choral composers working today, ?riks Ešenvalds works have been premiered by ensembles including Britten Sinfonia, the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, the Holst Singers.
• Karmina Šilec (Slovenia), artistic director, Carmina Slovenica. Her concept,"Choregie – vocal theatre", has opened wider artistic spaces in the field of vocal music and set trends towards complex multimedia events.
• Karen Brunssen (USA), co-chair, Northwestern University School of Music. Dr. Brunssen’s research focuses on the evolving voice, highlighting the life cycle of individual voices, professional and amateur, through the physical changes that occur through many years of singing.
• Julia Davids (USA/Canada), director of choral activities, North Park University and artistic director, Canadian Chamber Choir. Dr. Davids’ book, Vocal Technique – A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, won the 2014 Choral Canada award for Best Choral Publication.
• Patrick Freer (USA), professor of music, Georgia State University. Dr. Freer has guest conducted or presented in 36 states and 16 countries and his research on adolescent singing and music education are published in most of the field’s leading national and international journals.

Several keynote presenters will also offer rare workshop opportunities for delegates interested in composition, artistic exploration and vocal technique. Sessions throughout the symposium include also research papers, recitals, roundtable dialogues, panel presentations – there is something for everyone!

All presentations, concerts and performances are open to the public, with special rates for local drop-ins.

The registration/information desk will be open beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m. in the D.F. Cook Recital Hall lobby, School of Music, Memorial University.

A full schedule of events can be found online.