ABCD Conference 2015

Last updated: Jan 30th, 2019


Now in its 30th year, the ABCD 2015 conference marked the second biggest event since it first began in 1985. A popular venue with all of the attendees, the event was hosted at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and welcomed delegates from across the UK and abroad. With two activity-packed days of workshops and performances designed to inspire and educate, this year’s ABCD event was another roaring success, as members of the choir profession, both local and international, came together to celebrate music, teaching and all things choral!

Immersed in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the event, our Tour Consultant, David, enjoyed chatting with old friends and new: ‘It was encouraging to receive positive feedback from those who have toured with us before and it was also great to receive such a high level of interest from those yet to enjoy a Rayburn Concert Tour.’

As well as networking with fellow choral enthusiasts, a particular highlight of the weekend for David was the International Choral Gala held on the Saturday evening. Encompassing a diverse range of styles and origins, the evening celebrated choral music from the Renaissance through to the present day from Russia, USA, Germany and the UK. Featuring The Academic Student Choir of the Ural Federal University, The 24 and Cambiata NW, it was an evening full of stunning choral music.

Every year, the ABCD promises an exciting line up of internationally celebrated experts in the choir world who come along to share their knowledge and experience with the public. One such celebrated expert was this year’s guest, John Rutter, whose informal workshop – ‘Come and Sing with John Rutter’ – welcomed delegates and members of the public to explore his own music as well as a selection of some of his favourite pieces.

This year’s timely conference coincided with Mr Rutter’s 70th birthday and so, much to his fans’ delight, he celebrated this milestone amongst his fellow choral enthusiasts. Still composing at 70, Mr Rutter is an international inspiration for choral musicians and composers, making his attendance at this year’s conference particularly special.

The ABCD conference encourages a ‘pass it on’ ethos: the knowledge, skills and advice that are shared at the event are intended to be taken away and put into practice in the classroom or rehearsal room. Dedicated to supporting those leading choral music, both amateur and professional, the ABCD conference it is an all-encompassing ‘umbrella’ of choral appreciation and welcomes anyone with a song to sing.

We look forward to ABCD’s 31st event!