Planning for WSCM2020 continues in earnest. In mid-June, the IFCM Artistic and Administrative teams met in Auckland for three days of intensive planning.
The meetings were open, free-ranging, detailed and exciting. They discussed budget, marketing, logistics, information, technology, registration, trade expo, cultural feel, programme shape, venues, selection, concerts, workshops, special events, adjunct festivals… and that was just the first page of the agenda!
Of the many outcomes, one is a decision to extend by a month – to 31 October 2018 – the closing date for choirs and presenters to apply to be part of the WSCM2020 programme. This is to allow Northern Hemisphere applicants, in particular, more time after their summer break to prepare a submission. The Call for Choirs & Presenters section of the website (wscm2020.com) has been updated with the new deadline.
Leading the international component of the Artistic and Administrative Committees, respectively, were two IFCM Vice-Presidents: Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, and Gábor Móczár, President of the European Choral Association. Joining them were prominent music educator Ki Adams from Canada, distinguished choral director Jonathan Velasco from the Philippines and Jean-Claude Wilkens, Executive Secretary of À Coeur Joie. A pretty stellar cast!
The guests were welcomed by members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the principal Māori sub-tribe of central Auckland, in a powhiri, a version of the traditional ceremony that all attendees of WSCM2020 will experience. They were then introduced at an informal function to the six New Zealand members of the Symposium committees: John Rosser (Artistic Director), Juliet Dreaver, Karen Grylls, Christine Argyle, Peter Walls and Lisa Davis Haunui.
The WSCM team were delighted that the visitors seemed to go away happy with the venues, their planning and even Auckland’s mild winter weather. They are even more thrilled that both committees are determined to build on the successes and lessons of past WSCMs, and to create the most dynamic, innovative and moving World Symposium yet!
Buy a 2020 calendar now and write across the week of 11-18 July: “In Auckland, NZ”.
IFCM International Online Cafes are open to everyone! Recordings are available to IFCM members only. Since the first online meeting in 2023, IFCM has invited prestigious choral leaders, conductors and composers, from all over the world: Maria Guinand (Venezuela), Eric Banks (USA), Michael Ostrzyga (Germany), Tracy Wong (Malaysia/Canada), Luz Helena Peñaranda (Colombia), Joel Magus P. Navarro (Philippines), Ana María Raga (Venezuela), Carmen Acevedo (Puerto Rico), Jurģis Cābulis (Latvia), Lim Ai Hooi (Singap
Read moreOur focus at the moment is to unite the choral calendars of international choral organisations. Meanwhile please consult the calendar of choral events published by the European Choral Association - Europa Cantat here.
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