Conductors converge for one-of-a-kind conference

Internationally renowned conductors from Brisbane and the UK will converge at the Winter Choral School which starts today at The University of Queensland.

The conference consists of a week of workshops, seminars and performances where conductors will watch, participate, conduct, sing and become part of the Australian choral conductor’s network.

“Conductors and choirs play a significant part in Australian society,” Graeme Morton, conference organiser and Choral Conducting Fellow at UQ’s School of Music said.

“There are thousands of choirs across the country and millions of singers attached to those choirs.”

“But despite the high numbers of choral organisations, conductors often find themselves isolated, with less time to interact with others”.

“This conference is the perfect opportunity to bring together all the choral conductors from around Australia, to receive guidance from the experts and professional development”.

“Choral conducting is very much community based and demands a very diverse skill set”.

UQ’s Winter School will develop a conductor’s non-verbal communication skills as well as developing their musical skills to provide choir leadership.

The one-of-a-kind winter school will run throughout this week at UQ’s St Lucia Campus and be led by internationally renowned conductors, Colin Durrant and Graeme Morton.

In a win for the local chorale community, it will be the first time Durrant will visit Australia. His current positions in the UK include; Course Leader at the University of London and Conductor of the University of London Chamber Choir and Imperial College Choir.

Graeme Morton, UQ Choral Conducting Fellow and Director of Choral Music at St John’s Cathedral and Director of the Brisbane Chamber Choir, was last week awarded on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Graeme was awarded in the list’s General Division for his service to the arts, particularly choral music and culture, as a conductor, director, composer and academic, through the performance of new Australian musical works, and to youth.

“The award means a lot. Choral conducting can often be seen as a hidden profession, so to see this special group of people and be part of it is quite an honour,” Mr Morton said.

“I received the award on behalf of all people involved in choral music today”.

UQ is a leader of choral music education and the only Australian university to hold a Fellow position in choral conducting.

MEDIA: Graeme Morton (+61 7 3365 3500) or email g.morton@uq.edu.au), Dania Lawrence (07 33659163 or email d.lawrence@uq.edu.au).

More information: http://www.uq.edu.au/music/winter-choral-school