It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce the appointment of Dr. Adam Jonathan Con as the new Artistic Director of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble, effective June 26, 2023. After an extensive and rigorous four-month recruitment process, the Capriccio Board of Directors unanimously selected Dr. Con to lead our esteemed ensemble into a new and exciting chapter.
According to Board President, Jack Beukema, “Dr. Con’s appointment as Artistic Director marks a new chapter for Capriccio Vocal Ensemble, bringing with it excitement for his artistic vision and leadership. His expertise is expected to shape the ensemble’s future direction and enhance our musical legacy. With Dr. Con at the helm, the ensemble can anticipate exploring a diversity of new repertoire, balancing our beloved choral gems, refining our ensemble vocal techniques, and delivering memorable performances to our audiences.”
Dr. Con brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for choral music to his new role. He is Professor of Music at the University of Victoria, where he directs the Chamber Singers, UVic Chorus, and teaches choral conducting and music education courses. His dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment will undoubtedly empower our members to grow as musicians and artists. Dr. Con has a strong background in both choral activities and music education with 25 years of experience in higher education, including teaching at 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. Prior to teaching in the post-secondary setting, Adam proudly taught music for 15 years in K-12 public and private schools for the Vancouver and Surrey School Districts.
In addition to his music experience, Dr Con has extensive study experience as a practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan and the Alexander Technique. His commitment to holistic approaches to music and well-being will undoubtedly bring new dimensions to our ensemble and audiences.
Adam was born and raised on the ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. As a fourth-generation descendent of the Chinese Diaspora in Canada, he is grateful for the opportunity to embrace his culturally rich and spiritually significant lineage while residing and working as a guest on the beautiful traditional lands of the ləkʷ̓ əŋən peoples in Victoria, British Columbia.
His contributions have garnered invitations 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 the Foro Coro Americano in Argentina, I 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 Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Con expressed his humility and honour in being chosen as the Artistic Director of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble. “I have greatly admired the work of this special ensemble and I am excited to explore new and thought-provoking musical experiences with the singers and audience.” Dr. Con’s impressive background as a conductor and educator, coupled with his commitment to artistic integrity, innovative programming, and community building aligns perfectly with the values and vision of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble.
Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations and welcome to Adam as the new Artistic Director of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future filled with heart-warming performances, artistic excellence, and the celebration of choral music at its finest. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and join us as we embark on this exciting musical journey under Dr. Con’s leadership.