For immediate release
February 27, 2023
THE HYMN SOCIETY HOLDS CONFERENCE IN MONTRÉAL
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada will hold its Annual Conference July 16-19,
2023, on the campus of McGill University in Montréal. This year’s theme, “Land, Language, and
Liberation,” offers an opportunity to explore how to celebrate, praise God, and live into the
church’s mission in light of the challenges we face in the world today. Both in-person and online
registrations are available.
The conference will include an abundance of opportunities for learning, connecting,
celebrating, singing, and more:
- Four hymn festivals in all, led by Frédéricka Petit-Homme, Jonathan Maracle, Leslie Jordan, and a special guest with each festival including songs of various traditions and genres, including Gospel, First Nations, French Catholic, and Praise & Worship
- Four plenary presentations by Kenny Wallace, Kuzipa Nalwamba, Lester Ruth, and a panel led by Anneli Loepp Thiessen and Becca Whitla
- Six featured sessions, exploring various perspectives on the intersection of congregational song with culture, language, and more
- More than thirty sectionals, including new music showcases and sessions on historical topics, pedagogy, theology, and song from Canada, the Black diaspora, and outside North America
- A pre-conference organ recital by Isabelle Demers
- A bookstore and silent auction
- Times to eat, sing, and share conversation
Anyone who believes in the importance of congregational song is welcome to register for the
full conference. Advance registration rates are available through June 15. For more information
or to register, visit www.thehymnsociety.org.
This information is provided by J. Michael McMahon, Executive Director of The Hymn Society in the United States
and Canada, 5 Thomas Circle, NW, 4 th floor, Washington, DC 20005-4153. For more information, please contact Dr.
McMahon at mike@thehymnsociety.org or 800-843-8966.
Founded in 1922, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is an ecumenical organization of people who
are passionate about hymns and congregational song. The Hymn Society community, open to all, is made up of
scholars, church musicians, poets, composers, choir directors, choir members, clergy, worship planners, song
leaders, music publishers, music educators, and people who love to sing. We believe that the holy act of singing
together shapes faith, heals brokenness, transforms lives, and renews peace. Our mission, therefore, is to
encourage, promote, and enliven congregational song.