Exhibitionists·Video

The moment choral artist Hussein Janmohamed felt accepted by his community

Growing up, Hussein Janmohamed may not have seen a place for himself in his small town. But during a difficult part of his childhood, music came to bring him great joy.

Composer on hearing his work performed: "I remember feeling at peace"

Choral singer Hussein Janmohamed on healing through singing

9 years ago
Duration 2:51
Choral singer Hussein Janmohamed experienced racism during his childhood. Now, instead of channeling his memories into bitterness, he's turned them into joy.

Growing up, Hussein Janmohamed may not have seen a place for himself in his small town. But during a difficult part of his childhood, music came to bring him great joy.

Now, as an adult, Janmohamed is creating music that draws not only on his own heritage but the history of choral tradition. Music helps him to process and transcend negativity, and create not only a peaceful mind but a sense of community.

Janmohamed now works with community groups, choirs and schools to create new techniques and compositions. He sings with the Elmer Iseler Singers and is a guest conductor with the Toronto Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir. And he's pursuing a PhD at the same time.

Esprit Orchestra presents La Creation du Monde. Feat. the Esprit Orchestra (Alex Pauk – conductor), The Elmer Iseler Singers (Lydia Adams – conductor). Works by Darius Milhaud, Hussein Janmohamed, Douglas Schmidt, Alex Pauk. Thu, Mar. 31. Koerner Hall, Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning. 273 Bloor W, Toronto. $45-$65. 8pm.

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