Creating a cultural exchange of music, Castleton Music Department Chair Sherrill Blodget was recently selected to participate in the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) through the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Serving as a Conducting Fellow for 2017, Blodget will not only host a fellow conductor from another country at Castleton, but will in exchange take her musical talents abroad for an extended residency.
Through the program, ACDA will host conductors from six Central and South American countries who will travel to the United States and attend the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Minneapolis, MN. In turn, these countries will host ICEP Conducting Fellows from the U.S. with residencies lasting approximately 10-14 days.
Last week the Castleton community welcomed guest conductor Ana Laura Rey.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Rey is a seasoned choral conductor, composer, arranger and pianist, who serves as Choir Conductor at the Music School of the University of the Republic, Montevideo. Under her conduction, the group has performed extensively, winning a total of five awards at international competitions.
“I’m very happy and thankful for this experience,” said Rey. “It has been a great experience for me to come observe how Dr. Blodget works with her choirs and to have the opportunity to conduct them. It has also been very enriching for me to learn about Vermont’s culture, to meet these kind people, and to enjoy the beautiful landscape.”
During her visit, Rey had the opportunity to tour Castleton’s music facilities and work closely with the University Chorale and Chamber Singers. Her international excursion also included visits to Middlebury College, College of St. Joseph and Johnson State College.
“It has been wonderful to have Ana Laura Rey with us,” explained Blodget. “She worked with the choirs on choral music from Uruguay and taught us about new rhythms and stylistic performance practices that make printed music come alive.”
Representing the United States, Blodget will join Rey in her home country of Uruguay to work with her choirs as part of the exchange at the University of the Republic in Montevideo in October.