Page 70 - CJMay25

INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTORS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Portugal 2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

ACDA is pleased to announce Portugal as the next partner for the International
Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP). In 2025, six American and six Portuguese conductors will be selected to participate
in a bilateral, mutual exchange to take place in 2026. Conductors will be paired based on backgrounds and interests,
and will visit each other’s choral communities, sharing techniques, and learning best practices. Visits by the Portuguese
conductors will be centered around the 2026 ACDA Regional conferences. U.S. conductors will host their counterparts in
their local communities for region visits 3-5 days before or after their regional conference. In turn, American conductors will
be hosted in Portugal in June 2026. Typical residencies are 9-10 days, and exact dates will be determined in consultation
with our Portuguese partners.

ICEP is providing opportunities for the next generation of choral leaders to represent the United States as ambassadors
to the world in the exchange of music, ideas, and cultures. Established in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International
Activities Committee, the program has connected choral conductors in the United States with counterparts in Cuba, China,
Sweden, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Kenya, South Africa, Germany, and the
Philippines. Between 2012 and 2025, over 80 American conductors have participated in the exchange program, hosting
an international conductor and traveling abroad to observe and lead rehearsals and performances, present lectures and
master classes, and take part in conferences and other activities.

ICEP OBJECTIVES

1) To create connections between leaders of the U.S. choral community and colleagues across the globe. 2) To forge stronger
relationships between ACDA and choral associations around the world. 3) To raise the visibility and leadership role of ACDA
in the global choral community.

Application Period: April 3 — May 30, 2025

SELECTION CRITERIA - EMERGING CONDUCTOR

The Standing Committee for International Activities is charged with the selection of emerging leaders of the choral
profession to represent the United States. The Committee has developed the following list of criteria:

1) Is a current member of ACDA, 2) Is an active choral conductor in a professional (remunerative) position, 3) Leads choirs
with a demonstrated level of excellence, 4) Exhibits a high level of human understanding, tact, and cross-cultural sensitivity,
5) Has a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 20 years in the profession

Candidates may reflect a wide diversity of interests and accomplishments (church/synagogue, community/professional
choir, primary/secondary/higher education).

For more information and to apply, visit: http://acda.org/resources/ICEP
Application deadline: May 30, 2025

68 CHORAL JOURNAL May 2025 Volume 65 Number 8