Congratulations to University of Victoria music professor and Acting Associate Dean of Fine Arts, Dr. Adam Jonathan Con on being named the 2019 recipient of the BC Choral Federation (BCCF)’s Willan Award.

Since 1981, the Willan Award has been presented annually to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the BCCF. Recipients are also welcomed into the Willan Council, an esteemed think-tank of conductors, visionaries and choral musicians who inspire new ideas and projects in British Columbia’s choral community.

Dr. Con received the honour on March 7, 2020, during a UVic Chorus & Orchestra concert held at the Farquhar Auditorium – the site of BCCF Chorfest 2017. BCCF past president and 2018 Willan Award recipient Yaro Woloshyn was on hand to make the presentation, carrying on a longstanding custom of having the previous year’s honouree induct the newest member.

“Adam’s continued support of the BC Choral Federation has been instrumental in the success of many Chorfests; in particular the 2017 Chorfest in Victoria for the sesquicentennial of Canada where his endless efforts providing facilities and equipment and Master of Ceremonies duties contributed greatly to the success of this event,” spoke Woloshyn from the stage. “He has worked with BCCF as a clinician for Chorfest Adult choirs, the BC Youth Choir and conducted various workshops across the province. When we held our Seniors’ Chorfest in Sidney a few years ago he made such a lasting impression with participants at his workshop for aging voices that even today participants are talking and commenting about how much they enjoyed and benefited from his workshop.”

Dr. Con is a native of Vancouver and a third generation Chinese Canadian. His holistic approach to choral music through a unique blend of kinesthetic whole body movement and eastern philosophy continues to inspire singers of all ages in mind, body and spirit. His motto is “Music is more than notes in motion; music is notes in Emotion.”

Congratulations, Dr. Con, and welcome to the Willan Council.

A 2020 recipient for the BCCF Willan Award will be named in the coming months.