Dr. Adam Jonathan Con is the Artistic Director of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble. Appointed to the position in 2023, he possesses an impressive background as a choir conductor and music educator bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for choral music.
Born and raised on the traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, in Vancouver, Adam values his ancestral connection to Victoria as a fourth-generation descendant of the Chinese Diaspora in Canada. Grateful for the opportunity to honour his culturally diverse heritage while working as a guest on the traditional lands of the ləkʷ̓ əŋən people, he brings a profound appreciation for these rich traditions.
Adam is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Florida State University. He is currently a full Professor of Music at the University of Victoria, where he conducts the University of Victoria Chamber Singers and UVic Chorus, teaches choral conducting and music education courses, and advises graduate accordion students. With 26 years of experience in both choral activities and music education, his teaching journey has taken him to prestigious institutions such as the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach; Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio; and Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Before embarking on his post-secondary career, Dr. Con dedicated 15 years of teaching music in K-12 public and private schools for the Vancouver and Surrey School Districts.
Dr. Con has been invited to perform, conduct and deliver workshops at numerous prestigious events and conferences worldwide. He has been featured as a conductor, keynote speaker, and presenter at various provincial, state, national and international conferences such as El Foro Coro Americano in Argentina, El Foro Internacional De Educación Musical in Mexico, Podium Choral Canada Conducting Symposium, ISME International Society for Music Education, the Canadian GALA Conference, the Canadian and the American Orff-Schulwerk National Conferences, the Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia Provincial Music Educator’s Conferences, the British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan Choral Federations, the Unitarian Universalist Musicians National American Conference, the Ohio and Georgia State Music Educator’s Conferences and the American Choral Directors Association. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Choral Canada and chairs the (ADEI) Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Upon his appointment as Artistic Director of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble, Dr. Con expressed his humility and honour in being chosen saying, “I have greatly admired the work of this special ensemble and I am excited to explore new and thought-provoking musical journeys with our talented singers and cherished audience.” Dr. Con’s impressive background as a conductor and educator, coupled with his commitment to artistic integrity, innovative programming, and community enrichment aligns perfectly with the values and vision of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble.