Background and Education - Workshops
"I was so dazzled by your teaching, your listening and your openness- I'll never forget the experience." -Andrew Clark, DMA; Director of Choral Activities, Harvard University
Working under the guidance and insight of the composer is an incomparable experience for the choral singer. The qualities that distinguish Joan Szymko as a composer - an embodied approach to sound, a passion for mining the expressive qualities of the singing voice, a dedication to storytelling and an insistence on quality texts - are all rooted in more than thirty years experience as a choral conductor. Choirs in the US and abroad have hosted festivals centered around Szymko's extensive repertoire for women's choir. As a guest conductor/clinician, Joan will bring her infectious energy and enthusiasm sharing her creative process with your choral program and to refining a performance of her music. For more information about bringing Joan to work with your choral program, contact Joan directly.
WORKSHOP OPTIONS
The Composer as Collaborator
Joan Szymko is available to work with conductor and performers as they prepare a commissioned work for its premiere.
Joan wrote a spectacular new commissionfor us entitled, "Viva, Sweet Love!" In addition, Joan spent time as a clinician and conductor, helping create nuanced musical interpretations of her work. We enthusiastically shared the world premiere of her new piece at Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Center on May 12, 2013." - Dr. Tina Bull, Director, Bella Voce, Oregon State University
Collaborating via Skype with choristers at Frankilin HS, Franklin, WI
The Composer as Conductor
A dynamic and accomplished choral director, Joan Szymko will dig deep into her compositions with your ensemble as choral clinician, guest lecturer, or as a guest conductor, offering special insight into her music.
"Joan is unwavering when it comes to artistry, pulling more out of a choir then they thought they were capable of. She is a true vocal technician guiding choirs to create a healthy, vibrant, vocal tone when singing." - Margaret Green, Music Director, Vancouver School of Arts
Themed Concert Presentations
Programming is key to engaging singers and audience. It is also a key motivating component to Joan Szymko's work as a composer/conductor. Click the "Programming" menu tab above to explore programs for Guest Artist Residencies.
"As a composer and conductor, my intention is to engage singers and audience members with choral experiences that surprise, delight, challenge and transform." - Joan Szymko
Final Bow-Szymko Women's Choral Festival, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Univerisity of Illinois, Fall 2016