YOUNG (Youth International Cultural Management programme): Empowering the Next Generation of Choral Leaders
The IFCM's programme YOUNG is a project that aims to empower the next generation of choral leaders by providing them with opportunities to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to the choral community. Building on the success of the YEMP programme (Young Event Management programme) which the European Choral Association has organised for many years as part of Europa Cantat and the fact that IFCM currently has three employees who are former YEMPers, we wanted to provide an opportunity for young choral organisers from across the globe to gain experience on the spot as well as invest in the future of IFCM. The programme is targeted towards young choral conductors, composers, singers, and administrators, aged 18 to 35, who seek to expand their knowledge and skills in choral music and leadership.
Through YOUNG, participants are provided with access to a series of workshops led by experienced choral professionals and educators, and unique “on the job” training. The programme is connected to one of IFCM’s major events such as World Choral EXPO or World Symposium on Choral Music, and it gives an opportunity to young choral and cultural managers.
YOUNG is designed to support and inspire young choral leaders, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and creativity. Participants are encouraged to form connections and collaborations, developing a network of peers and mentors that can support them throughout their careers.
The success of YOUNG is evidenced by its growing popularity and global reach. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has attracted participants from over 25 countries, from Africa to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The programme has received acclaim for its ability to cultivate talent, foster innovation and inspire a new generation of choral leaders who are committed to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
The call for young managers to take part in the YOUNG 2025 program at the International Congress of Pueri Cantores Munich 2025 has had an excellent response. IFCM received 67 applications from 27 different countries: Armenia, Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, DR Congo, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela.
Meet the 2025 selected participants:
They are all set to get started and will soon meet online with their session leader, Iva Radulovic. They will then be assigned to different departments of the International Congress of Pueri Cantores Munich 2025, such as InfoPoint, Administrative Coordination (email, phone), Volunteer Organisation, Communication (Instagram, Facebook, photo coverage), Site Management and VIP Services.
The European Choral Association, with the support of Choral TIES and in collaboration with the International Federation for Choral Music, is launching a call for young international cultural managers to be part of the Pueri Cantores 2025 team and to broaden their experience and skills while working closely with the organising team.
More info on the festival at https://www.muenchen25.de/en
Meet the 2023 selected participants:
(All pictures © WSCM 2023)
Read "Reflection on my YOUNG programme Experience" by Brydon Sundgren
Meet the 2022 selected participants:
(All pictures by Irvine Redor, IFCM Communication Manager, and Anna Palcsó, YOUNG 2022, for IFCM)
Official magazine of the International Federation for Choral Music, the International Choral Magazine is published quarterly in the four official languages of IFCM: English, French, German and Spanish. It is distributed in more than 80 countries on the five continents and is the official voice of choral music around the world. Publication temporarily suspended.
Read moreOur focus at the moment is to unite the choral calendars of international choral organisations. Meanwhile please consult the calendar of choral events published by the European Choral Association - Europa Cantat here.
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