In the vast world of choral music, women have played a crucial role, leading choirs, inspiring generations, and leaving an indelible mark on choral direction. Last March, Madrid became the epicenter of the exploration of this legacy with the first scientific Congress organized by AEDCORO in collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), dedicated exclusively to the figure of the female choir director. 

Over three vibrant days, participants were immersed in a series of varied and stimulating activities that address this gender perspective from various angles. From Masterclass to roundtable discussions and workshops, these sessions offered unique opportunities for learning, inspiration, and exchange of ideas on a hot topic. This event, unique in its class, brought together prominent figures from the choral world at both the national and international levels. Choir directors, researchers, and choral enthusiasts had the opportunity to explore and discuss the significant impact of women on choral direction and research in this fascinating field. 

We started on Friday the 15th at 12:00 with a choral conducting masterclass offered by Marco Antonio García de Paz, Principal Conductor of the RTVE Choir, at the Teatro Monumental. The session was broadcasted on the RTVE Choir’s social media channels and was followed by a colloquium. In the afternoon, the Conference took place at the Cultural Center “La Corrala” with a visit to the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, followed by an inaugural address by university authorities and a visit to the Ethnographic Museum of the Autonomous University of Madrid. Next, Dr. Nuria Fernández Herranz, renowned for her pioneering research in the field of choral activity, delivered the inaugural lecture on different research lines with her students. They presented their research lines as Master students in Conducting and Research in Katarina Gurska Center. To conclude the afternoon, we enjoyed an Inaugural Concert of the Congress in Santo Cristo del Olivar Church. The chamber choir “La Trova” and “San Blas” choir conducted by AEDCORO members, made it possible. 

Saturday the 16th definitely was a day full of dialogue and reflection through roundtable discussions and presentations. The morning roundtable was focused on the experiences of female choir directors in professional environments. 

Prominent figures such as Petra Grassi, Juan Pablo de Juan, and Montserrat Ríos lead this discussion, providing expert insights into the challenges and opportunities facing women both choirs and festivals. After a short break, Mathilde Sánchez gave a presentation on empowering women singers from childhood. 

In the afternoon, in the Roundtable titled “Female Directors: Breaking Barriers,” some of the most influential female choir directors came together to address the barriers and challenges they face in their leadership roles. With the participation of prominent figures such as Carmen Cruz, Ana González, and Rita Ferrer, this roundtable became a stimulating forum where effective strategies to overcome obstacles and promote gender equality in choral direction were discussed. Following this, Julián Jesús Pérez gave a presentation on “María Muñoz Portal and the foundation of the Cuban choral movement.” The day ended with a fantastic open rehearsal where Petra Grassi worked with the Youth Choir of Madrid, thus closing a vibrant day. Indeed having the opportunity to attend this rehearsal was so interesting, made that day even more special in a lovely place. 

Sunday the 17th, the last day of the Congress, began with the General Assembly of AEDCORO. In this Assembly, Carmen Cruz was awarded as an Honorific member of our Association. We finished the Congress with a Repertoire Reading Workshop for attendees led by Petra Grassi, where new choral pieces centered on the figure of women were explored. The closing meal was the ideal space for Congress participants to share impressions and reflections, thus closing three days of debate and connection around the fundamental role of the female choir conductor. 

For more details about the Congress, follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Also visit www.aedcoro.com and join us in this exciting celebration of female talent in the world of choral conducting!.