May 3-5, 2013
North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.
The North Dakota State University Choral Symposium: Music of the Americas has, by all accounts, been a rousing success. From the academic presentations to the invigorating panel discussions to the inspiring concerts, participants reported being invigorated, challenged and refreshed.
Wonderful collaborations have been made between presenters, conductors, composers and participants. The sharing of ideas and repertoire was a great opportunity that was very valuable. From William Billings to Lucas Foss; the "constellation" of Canadian composers; Argentine, Venezuelan, Costa Rican and Cuban composers and music, new information was presented with conviction and passion.
The American Spiritual Ensemble gave a brilliant performance that added to the depth of the symposium. The opening and closing concerts by area high school and community choirs and North Dakota State University choirs with guest conductors Dale Warland, Maria Guinand, Jorge Cozatl, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor and Imant Raminsh were wonderful examples of performances enriched by the unique experiences of these world-class conductors.