Choral Festivals

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform together with singers of the ACDA Costa Rica Chapter Chorus under the baton of Pearl Shangkuan and Jake Runestad in San José, Costa Rica. Jake Runestad will conduct some of his own compositions while Pearl Shangkuan will select and conduct music from Central America, Europe, and the U.S. This unique event will bring together choirs from both countries, creating a vibrant platform for cross-cultural musical exchange. The festival will culminate in a breathtaking gala concert in San José, where voices from both nations will merge in a stunning, shared musical experience. This immersive journey promises to challenge and inspire every participant, while offering an opportunity to deeply engage with Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage. Through music, you will not only connect with talented musicians from around the world but also forge lasting friendships and create memories for a lifetime.

Experience a spectacular Gala Concert in one of Paris’s historic cathedrals such as Église Saint-Sulpice (or similar), where Elaine Hagenberg will share the podium with other esteemed conductors, leading a festival choir and orchestra. The evening will feature some of Hagenberg’s original compositions. Her works have been performed worldwide, including at ACDA conferences, Carnegie Hall, and concert halls across Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia.

Under the inspired leadership of Dr. Andrea Ramsey, mixed choruses from across the United States will embark on a transformative musical journey, culminating in a gala concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. The performance will feature the world premiere of The Wilderness of You, a multi-movement choral work composed by Dr. Ramsey, written accessibly for university, advanced high school, and community ensembles.

Celebrating the human experience, The Wilderness of You invites us to reconnect with ourselves and marvel at the wonders of our existence. Through five movements, Dr. Ramsey adapts the poetry of Jarod K. Anderson—Field Guide to a Haunted Forest, Love Notes from the Hollow Tree, and Leaf Litter—to explore the shared mysteries of our bodies and the awe they inspire. The work delves into the intricate beauty of human life and encourages a deeper understanding of the world within and around us.

Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime choral experience in the charming city of Tallinn, Estonia. Join Artistic Director Dr. Iris S. Levine and Composer-in-Residence Ms. Jocelyn Hagen, along with choirs from across the USA, as they come together to rehearse and perform in a memorable Gala Festival Concert. This special performance will feature a new composition by Ms. Hagen, crafted to inspire all who hear it. Beyond the music, immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Tallinn. From the iconic Song Festival Grounds to the city’s other historic landmarks, you’ll have the chance to explore the very heart of Estonia’s vibrant choral tradition and historic architecture.