On 27-31 July 2022, Utrecht hosted the first edition of the new, international choral music event Leading Voices, European Days for Vocal and Choral Leaders. Leading Voices gathered hundreds of choral professionals in Utrecht from over 30 countries: conductors, vocal leaders, composers, managers and music educators from all over Europe and beyond visited the city 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.”
Side programme for local voices
The side programme with open singings, workshops and a walk-in programme in the central library Bibliotheek Neude was met with great interest. Almost all workshops were sold out and many visitors took part in the activities in this venue. The open singings in the various districts of Utrecht were also very well attended and attracted people of all ages from young children to senior citizens, singers as well as people who experienced singing for the first time.
More info: www.leadingvoices.nl
Download the press release here