Every human is whole, wise, and valuable.
Inspiration.
Mission
Create barrier-breaking vocal music experiences; bridge diverse cultures, people and lived experiences; bring together cutting-edge global partners; integrate vocal arts into educational practice; and, and pave the way for joyous music participation and creation.
Vision
Reimagined musical spaces where everyone regardless of their musical background or lived experience can sing together and create pluralistic tapestries of music, belonging, connection and spiritual uplift.
Values
Openness & Curiosity.
Experimentation and creativity.
Diversity and Pluralism.
Collaboration and Community.
A brief bio.
Hussein Janmohamed is an artistic director, composer, conductor, educator. His fascination with music began before the age of five living in a Kenyan Swahili culture.
Music in community helped Hussein know faith, experience connection and discover a pluralistic way of hearing the world. Hussein carries this integrative way of knowing and making culture into everything that he does. This embodied knowledge has helped Hussein turn the negativity of racism to something positive, and to discover the power of cross-cultural music creation as a vehicle for belonging.
Hussein's compositions, creative leadership and participatory educational design build on integrative approaches to vocal music, and provide innovative ways for all people to access the transformative power of music.
Hussein has a PhD in Music Education from the University of Toronto. His thesis explored the role of integrating choral music with Muslim devotional music as a pathway for Muslim youth to negotiate belonging in Canada.
Notable highlights include:
• 2020 Hussein was the composer, and music director for Virtual Iftar Nights with the MABELLEarts community, newcomers to Canada, global master musicians and vocalists, the Gather Round singers, and community choristers.
• 2019 Co-conducting the premier performances of Maada’ookii Songlines written by composer Cris Derksen for the Luminato Festival with over 200 diverse choral singers, musicians and Indigenous singers and drummers.
• 2014 Commission by the Aga Khan Museum Nur: Reflections on Light for the Ismaili Centre Toronto opening, performed by the Elmer Iseler Singers and Guest Ismaili Singers.
• 2006 Hussein is the first recipient of the BC Choral Federation Malcolm McDonald Youth Achievement Award for his distinguished service, community building, and inspirational leadership.
• 2004 Commission by West Coast Sacred Arts Society of Gatherings for a tribute concert to His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Co-composed with Lil’Wat writer Russell Wallace.
Hussein has conducted diverse ensembles across Canada and internationally including:
Cor Flammae (Canada’s first queer professional choir) • Douglas College Chorus • Global Music Ensembles • Vancouver Peace Choir • UBC Choral Union • Regional and National Ismaili Youth Choirs • Willow Street Singers • The UBC Women’s and Chamber Choirs • Sarah McLachlan School of Music Children’s Choir • Nai Kid’s Choir • Youth Peace Choir for a tribute concert for His Holiness the Dalai Lama • Other collaborations include concerts with global Indigenous, jazz, classical and Sufi musicians presenting diverse and intercultural works from around the world.
Global community arts collaborations include:
Jumblies Theatre • Ismaili Muslim community • Red Dress Productions • Tapestry Opera • St. James Town community • MABELLEarts • University of Toronto Faculty of Music • Aga Khan Museum
Connections.
Hussein is a sought-after artistic leader, consultant, speaker, educator and facilitator delivering music-based team building, choral clinics, keynotes, and teacher professional development. For more information about Hussein, view his CV.
News items.
Music is a Bridge. Music can heal the sadness of our separation and return us to integrative wholeness. Music can enliven our soul and spirit. Music can hold our multiple identities with love; and, in community music can inspire and bring us back to authentic connection.
— Hussein Janmohamed
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