Conductors Beyond Borders (CBB) is a project initiated by the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) aimed at providing conductors in developing countries with the opportunity to work with experienced choral conducting teachers.
Conductors Beyond Borders was created to address the needs of choral conductors and leaders who lack access to professional guidance and mentorship. The project prioritizes countries and regions where conductors have limited or no access to educational opportunities in musical traditions.
The project started in 2007 and has seen significant developments, especially in Africa and Latin America. Since its inception, the CBB project has significantly influenced the development of choral life in the target countries. By providing access to professional training and mentorship, CBB has empowered local conductors to enhance their skills and knowledge, leading to the establishment of numerous choral groups and the expansion of choral activities. This initiative has fostered a deeper appreciation for choral music, encouraged cultural exchange, and strengthened community bonds. The success of CBB is evident in the increased participation in choral festivals, the creation of local choirs, and the overall growth in the quality and quantity of choral performances across the participating regions.
Before the formalization of the CBB program at the World Assembly of Choir Conductors (WACCA) in Buenos Aires in 2006, and its implementation during a meeting in Caracas the following year, training actions began in 2005 in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Since then, the program has expanded to eight other sub-Saharan African countries:
Current contacts are being established in Congo Brazzaville, Madagascar and Angola.
Depending on the country, between 10 and 50 choir conductors have been trained in choral conducting, and several instructors have been promoted to disseminate this training nationwide:
The Africa Cantat Festival, organized in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in 2023, gathered 650 participants from seven African countries. This event broadened the CBB program and initiated international choral meetings on the continent on a triennial basis.
More about the projects in Africa
In 2007, a commission of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) met in Caracas following the World Assembly of Choral Conductors in Argentina in 2006. The inspired efforts of the Fundación Schola Cantorum Venezuela (FSCV) and El Sistema, supported by the Andean Bank of Development (CAF), were making significant strides in nine Latin American countries through the “Social Action through Music” initiative. This initiative aimed to train teachers, conductors, and leaders of choirs and orchestras, leading to the creation of the “Conductors Without Borders” program.
Following this meeting, IFCM and FSCV signed agreements with CAF to further develop the CWB program in the region. This program continued until 2017, impacting 6,500 music leaders across nine countries through the organization of three workshops per country annually, resulting in a total of 270 workshops over ten years. The countries involved were:
In 2017, support from the Bank of Development ceased, necessitating a reshaping of the project.
More about the projects in Latin America
Our aim is to expand the programme by increasing the number of live and online sessions, as well as the frequency of Conductors Beyond Borders (CBB) events in Latin America and Africa. We are also committed to broadening CBB’s impact across North Africa, the Middle East, and Central, East and South Asia.
Inspired by the 2024-2025 Choral TIES programme run by the European Choral Association and partners, we are particularly enthusiastic about developing peer-to-peer exchange programmes that create new international career opportunities for participating conductors.
We invite you to complete this questionnaire if you or your association is interested in launching a mentorship programme for choral conductors in partnership with IFCM through the CBB initiative. The purpose of this questionnaire is to assess the current state of choral singing in your region, identify the demand for training and mentorship opportunities for choral conductors, and gain insight into the administrative and financial capacity of local partners to support and host such a programme.
Believe in the power of choral music to change lives? Conductors Beyond Borders needs volunteer teachers to help bring this vision to life. You'll contribute your experience and enthusiasm to build stronger foundations for choral education and leadership. If you're passionate about teaching and conducting, we believe you'll be a perfect fit for this important work. To get started, download and complete the application form. We'll provide details about the role and how you can get involved. This is your chance to make a global impact through the power of music.
Contactt the IFCM office at office@ifcm.net
Official magazine of the International Federation for Choral Music, the International Choral Magazine is published quarterly in the four official languages of IFCM: English, French, German and Spanish. It is distributed in more than 80 countries on the five continents and is the official voice of choral music around the world. Publication temporarily suspended.
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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