Dr Rollo Dilworth Photo: Supplied
Dr Rollo Dilworth is in New Zealand to take part in two major choral events this week. He's Guest International Presenter at Choral Connect, the NZ Choral Federation's professional development conference for leaders of all types of group singing, and International Guest Conductor for Sing Aotearoa which is open to singers of all ages and experience levels.
Rollo's keynote address at Choral Connect was on choral music and social justice, and choosing repertoire that allows singers to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
"I think there are always opportunities [in choral singing] for not just musical artistry development but for personal transformation as human beings, and knowing that we have that power through the lyrics and also through the collaborative efforts that we must engage in in singing really allows me to remain very passionate about the work that I do."
"I always see what my singers are doing as possibilities for impacting their communities. It's so important."
Dr Dilworth is known for his choral arrangements of African-American spirituals: in particular, his adaptation of 'I sing because I'm happy' is sung all around the world.
"I created that adaptation as a way of helping singers understand that we don't just sing because we're happy, but oftentimes we're happy because we sing."
"I think that singers from all walks of life understand that very basic message, even if they have very little to no spirituality or spiritual background. The piece certainly has those overtones to it as well, but most people really think about how singing can be tied inextricably to one's emotional state of mind and how singing can actually induce a particular emotional state of mind... and I think that's perhaps why it's been universally celebrated."
