US Exchange Opportunity for NZ Conductors
2 Apr 2026
In 2026, six American and six New Zealand conductors will be selected to participate in a bilateral, mutual exchange to take place in 2027. 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 New Zealand conductors will be centred around the 2027 ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 7-10, 2027. U.S. conductors will guide their counterparts at the Minneapolis conference, and host them in their local communities for region visits 3-5 days either before or after the conference.
In turn, American conductors will be hosted for The Big Sing Finale in Auckland, August 26-28, 2027. While at the competition the U. S. delegation will observe rehearsals and attend seminars with local choral leaders introducing our unique music culture in Aotearoa. Following The Big Sing, regional visits across New Zealand will take place approximately August 28-September 2, 2027 (exact dates TBD).
ABOUT THE ICEP PROGRAMME
Established in 2010 and coordinated by ACDA’s International Activities Committee, the ICEP programme 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, the Philippines, and Portugal.
ICEP OBJECTIVES
- To create connections between leaders of the U.S. choral community and colleagues across the globe.
- To forge stronger relationships between ACDA and choral associations around the world.
- To raise the visibility and leadership role of ACDA in the global choral community.
What opportunities will NZ delegates have in the US?
American conductors host visiting conductors in their local regions for approximately 3-5 days either prior to, or following the ACDA National Conference. American hosts are expected to create a schedule of activities for their guest. Typical activities include leading rehearsals, giving workshops, teaching classes, participating in music for faith communities, rehearsal and concert observations, and in some cases leading concerts or portions of concerts.
What responsibilities will New Zealand delegates have in return?
The six New Zealand delegates will commit to:
· attending the ACDA conference in Minneapolis (March 7-10, 2027)
· attending (if not already participating) The Big Sing Finale, (August 26-28, 2027)
· hosting their US counterpart in their local community for a visit of 3-5 days either before or after The Big Sing. NZ hosts will be expected to create a schedule of choral activities for their guest. Itineraries that reach a broad community and multiple organisations are encouraged.
What are the financial responsibilities of participating in this programme?
NZ conductors are responsible for their own travel to and from the US but will be hosted while in country. ACDA hosts the visiting NZ delegates at the National conference, and also provides for their lodging, food, and travel after arriving in the US. Additionally, NZ participants commit to attending The Big Sing 2027 National Finale in Auckland at their own expense.
Application timeline:
- 3 April 2026: Applications open
- 15 May 2026: Applications close
- 1 June 2026: Candidates advised of outcome
- July 2026: Pairings with US delegates arranged
Application requirements:
Applicants must be a current member of the NZCF Association of Choral Directors (ACD). This programme is aimed at early- to mid-career conductors (3-20 years’ experience). Click on the buttons below for full requirements and criteria and for the application form.
CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA