1 August 2022

Leading Voices was a success!

Leading Voices gathered hundreds of choral professionals in Utrecht from over 30 countries.

During the last days, Utrecht hosted the first edition of the new, international choral music event Leading Voices, European Days for Vocal and Choral Leaders. Hundreds of conductors, vocal leaders, composers, managers and music educators from all over Europe and beyond visited Utrecht for an exchange of knowledge and sharing of experience. The event offered over 100 sessions by speakers from The Netherlands and abroad, almost 20 concerts and a varied side programme for amateur singers and citizens from Utrecht. 

The participants were inspired in workshops and lectures and experimented with new ways of improvisation, collaboration and co-creation in LAB’s. New music was composed and new ways of designing and presenting concerts were developed. Informal lounges and numerous round table discussions provided opportunities for networking and sharing of views on a variety of topics.
The concerts of leading ensembles such as I Fagiolini and Accent, as well as opening and closing concerts presenting diverse music genres, were received with great enthusiasm. 

Dermot O’Callaghan, president of the European Choral Association:”Hearing the first reactions by participants after the final concert on Saturday evening, we learned that Leading Voices turned out to be an inspiration for many. It was so joyful to celebrate the leaders of collective singing in the beautiful city of Utrecht. Thanks so much to ZIMIHC and all those who put on such an incredible event.”