About the Conference
Announcing the 29th Annual Conference
After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, we are proud to announce that the 29th Annual Russian Orthodox Musicians’ Conference will be held from November 9–13 at Novo-Diveevo Convent in Nanuet, NY and Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY.
Keynote speaker: His Grace Bishop Job of Stuttgart
Presenters and conductors include Kurt Sander, Laryssa Doohovskoy, Vladimir Krassovsky, Vadim Gan, Andrei Roudenko, Deacon Anthony Stokes, and more. Presentation and workshop titles will be announced shortly.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 9
- 3:00pm on – Check-in for hotel and dorm guests
- 6:00-10:00pm – Registration and reception
Thursday, Nov. 10
- 8:00am – Breakfast, commuter registration, announcements
- 9:00 – Opening prayer, moleben, introductory remarks – Fr. Andre Papkov
- 10:30 – Rehearsal 1
- 11:15am – Developing Best Practices within Multi-Generational Choirs: A Vocal Pedagogical Approach —Laryssa Doohovskoy
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 1:15pm – Rehearsal 2
- 2:30-3:30pm – The Inner Music of Language: Perspectives on Singing and Setting English Text – Dr. Kurt Sander
- 3:40-4:20 – Spiritual Aspects of a Conductor’s Work — Vladimir Krassovsky
- 4:20-5:50pm – Rehearsal 3
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 8:00pm – opening for a round table
Friday, Nov. 11
- 8:00am – Breakfast and announcements
- 9:00-10:15am – Rehearsal 4
- 10:45 – Elements of Choral Performance – Andrei Roudenko
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 1:15-2:30pm – Rehearsal 5
- 2:30-3:30 – Theological Singing: How Musicality Can Be Used to Higlight Liturgical and Theological Meaning – Dcn. Anthony Stokes
- 3:45pm – Singing Praises: Aligning Voice and Focus in the Choir – Laryssa Doohovskoy
- 4:30pm – Rehearsal 6
- 6:00-7:00pm – Weekend registration
- 6:00pm – Free evening for tourism, dining, and conversation – Enjoy!
Saturday, Nov. 12
- 8:00am – Breakfast, weekend registration, and announcements
- 8:45 – Dedication and Eternal memory to Metropolitan Hilarion and Sergei Chidlovsky – Vladimir Krassovsky
- 9:15 – Keynote Speaker – Bishop Job of Stuttgart
- 10:30 – Rehearsal 7
- 12:00– Lunch
- 1:15 – Conducting Masterclass – Dcn. Anthony Stokes
- 2:15-3:00 – For the Youth: How Do We Do This? An Introduction to Vocal Technique for Younger Singers – Laryssa Doohovskoy
- 3:00-4:00pm – Rehearsal 8 (final)
- 4:15 – Preparation for church – Novo-Diveevo Convent
- 5:00pm – All-Night Vigil
- 8:00pm – Dinner
Sunday, Nov. 13
- 7:30am – Check-out from hotel and dorms
- 8:15 Departure to church – Holy Protection Church, Nyack
- 9:00 – Greeting of the Bishop, Hours and Hierarchal Divine Liturgy
- 12:00 – Conference photo at church, and banquet — Nyack Parish Hall
During the conference there will also be discussion groups on relevant topics, including at meals and free time – listen for announcements!
Fasting rules observed Wednesday and Friday.
Accommodations
Lodging for the conference is arranged at Sonesta Simply Suites Nanuet, or at Novo-Diveevo Monastery and is included in the registration fee. The hotel is about six miles from Holy Virgin Protection Church, and within walking distance of the monastery. All meals are included – all except the closing banquet will be served at Novo Diveevo. Friday night dinner is on your own – a great opportunity to explore local dining options.
The Synodal Liturgical Music Commission
The Russian Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference is sponsored by the Synodal Liturgical Music Commission. The Commission consists of:
- Very Reverend Andre Papkov, chairman
- Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky
- Dr. Irina du Quenoy
- Peter Fekula
- Vadim Gan
- Vladimir Krassovsky
- Dr. Kurt Sander
- Dr. Nicolas Schidlovsky
- George Skok