ACDA opens International Conductors Exchange Program applications

National membership organisation the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) has announced the return of the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) in 2023.

ICEP provides opportunities for ‘the next generation of choral leaders to represent the United States as ambassadors to the world in the exchange of music, ideas, and cultures’.

Established in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International Activities Committee, the program has connected choral conductors in the United States with counterparts in Cuba, China, Sweden, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Kenya, and South Africa.

The objectives of the program are three-fold: to create connections between emerging leaders of the US choral community with counterparts across the globe; to forge stronger relationships between ACDA and choral associations around the world; and to raise the visibility and leadership role of the American Choral Directors Association in the global choral community.

Between 2012 and 2019, 63 US conductors have participated, hosting an international conductor and travelling abroad to observe and lead rehearsals, and to present lectures, masterclasses and other activities.

ICEP applicants should be active, professionally employed choral conductors with at least three years’ and no more than 20 years’ full-time experience. Applicants should be members of ACDA.

In 2023, ACDA will also welcome Visiting International Conductors (VICs) from Germany to engage in official residencies with institutions and ACDA chapters throughout the country. These residencies will include attendance at the 2023 ACDA national conference in Cincinnati. In turn, the German Choral Association will host US conductors as official guests of Germany in 2023.

Applications

The application deadline is 1 June 2022. Visit the ACDA website for further information and to apply online.