Joan Szymko

Joan Szymko's music is sung by distinguished ensembles across North America and abroad, with performances at international competitions and festivals (including the IFCM World Symposium, Kyoto), at state and regional conferences, and at six consecutive National Conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. Works such as "Nada te turbe," and "It Takes a Village" have entered into the standard repertoire. The ACDA has recognized Szymko's lasting contribution to the choral arts by selecting her as the recipient of the 2010 Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission. "All Works of Love" is available through Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Joan's primary publisher since 1998.

Composing for choir was a natural outgrowth of Joan's creativity as a director, developing community and church choirs in the Pacific Northwest over the past three decades. As with her conducting, Joan's dedication to craft and artistry, her love and respect for the singer, and her insistence on quality texts are all reflected in her choral writing. Joan currently directs Aurora Chorus and is a resident composer with Do Jump! Movement Theater in Portland, Oregon. (* quote: Willamette Week)