Hussein Janmohamed

Hussein Janmohamed is a Toronto-based collaborative choral performer, composer, and music facilitator passionate about excellence in the choral arts as a medium for cultural dialogue and accessing the human spirit. Hussein is the first recipient of the BC Choral Federation Malcolm McDonald Youth Achievement Award for his distinguished service, community building and inspirational leadership. His choral practice explores the sonic intersections between faith, culture and community in a plural Canada. His doctoral research at the University of Toronto takes up collaborative music creation and choral composition as a pathway for building bridges across difference.

Hussein’s compositions yearn for interconnection, dialogue, and unity in diversity. Weaving contemporary choral textures with music of the Muslim world, Hussein’s compositions aim to offer a peaceful counterpoint to negatively translations of Islam. Recent composition premieres include These Trees, the Lungs by the Awaaz Ensemble (Commissioned for IAMA 2016); Sun on Water, by the Amadeus Choir; and Nur: Reflections on Light, by the Elmer Iseler Singers, commissioned by the Aga Khan Museum for the opening of the Ismaili Centre Toronto. Commission highlights also include Mombasa Matatu Meditation for the Esoterics (Seattle), and Gatherings (With Lil'wat writer Russell Wallace), by the Westcoast Sacred Arts Society (Vancouver) for a Tribute Concert for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Hussein has performed with the Elmer Iseler Singers, Chor Leoni, Phoenix Chamber Choir and Awaaz Ensemble. He has conducted the Vancouver Peace Choir, UBC Choirs, the Canadian and Vancouver Ismaili Choirs, and most recently music directed a global music collaboration to commemorate the 80th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan. Community arts collaborations include Jumblies Theatre, St James Town Arts, Red Dress Productions, Neighbourhood Arts Network, Sing Festival, and Emergence Arts and Social Equity Symposium.