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PEOPLE IN-DEPTH
Meet the Executive Director of Camarata Music, Dr. Ryan Goessl
October 17, 2022
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Since its establishment in 2009, Camarata Music has been providing a platform for all to sing and perform music. Working with dedicated singers from all over the globe, Camarata Music represents a celebraton of diversity, culture and friendship.
The ECCK met with Dr. Ryan Goessl, Executive Director of Camarata Music to talk about Camarata Music and himself. "It is our mission to show that anyone and everyone can sing.", said Dr. Goessl during the interview.
Tell us about Camarata Music and yourself
I am Ryan Goessl, Artistic and Executive Director of Camarata Music. Since the establishment of Camarata Music in 2009, I have been leading various musical projects with a team of dedicated individuals that love music. Before Camarata, I used to teach music in university.
To talk a little about Camarata, it is an organization with Chorale, Chamber Singers, Youth Choirs and Chamber Orchestra, which are comprised of individuals coming from all over the globe, representing various culture and identity.
(Courtesy: Dr. Ryan Goessl)
What do you think makes Camarata Music special?
Inclusiveness and international flavor.
Camarata is all about equality. We do not judge anybody on anything. Culture, religion, gender, basically anything that has to do with one’s identity is valued and treated equally here at Camarata. With that said, what makes us special is that we believe that anybody can sing and accept everybody who wish to sing as part of our group. Accepting such tendency is considered very important to us.
Plus, since 2009, we have been representing singers from 107 countries. This provides the audience and public a chance to hear a music performed by singers from various cultures and nationalities.
(Courtesy: Dr. Ryan Goessl)
Has there been any difficulties running a group that has a diverse atmosphere?
I would have to say that Camarata is very unique in its composition of members. They all come to Korea for different reasons: as an English teacher, business executive, embassy worker, etc. Where they come from is different as well. Such diverse atmosphere did not come to us as a difficulty, however. People seem to become lifelong friends from the beginning and the tie gets stronger as time pass by.
One of the reasons for that is because we are all working toward the common goal of experiencing and making music at professional level together with good friends from all over the world. All this hard work, effort, and emotion people put into helps us accept and value each other’s differences, and eventually make a strong team. It is a celebration of everybody, the culture and celebration of friendship.
(Courtesy: Dr. Ryan Goessl)
Do you hold auditions? If so, what are the qualifications or requirements?
Yes, in order to become a Chamber Singer, one should participate in an audition. Chamber Singers are the face of Camarata Music that sing for various events around 30-50 times per year. This group plays music in a more professional level and availability to make use of one’s voice flexibly would be important to be part of the group. Currently, auditions are held in a rolling basis as we are rebuilding the group which suffered from COVID-19 situation for the past 3 years.
However, as for the chorale, the whole purpose of this is to show that everybody and anybody can sing. The kind of people we want in our group are those who hear from others, “We do not want you in our team” and provide to them the opportunity to find a hobby and something that they truly love.
What are your future plans or goals with Camarata Music?
My goal with Camarata Music is to revive the group once again. By this time next year, Camarata should be completely back to normal, to how it used to be before COVID-19. Just like how others went through rough time amid the pandemic, we have also had difficulties. We were simply not able to sing and perform. It is true that COVID is still going on, but it is time that we move on, be cautious and learn how to cope with the situation and protect ourselves at the same time.
Recently, we have observed that more and more people are coming back, which is a good sign. We will strive to make the time they spend with us fun, enjoyable and lighthearted whilst they work hard toward achieving the same goal of making a decent music together with good friends.
(Courtesy: Dr. Ryan Goessl)
Any messages to the ECCK Connect readers?
Come and sing with us! You are more than welcomed!
As I emphasized, anybody can sing and be part of Camarata. We work together with absolute beginners to professional singers aged 5 to mid-80s. Regardless of timing, if you wish to be part of the group, do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you get caught up.
Plus, if you have children, enroll them to our Youth Choirs as it would be a great opportunity for them to enjoy music and be friends with those with varying backgrounds.
Please contact us at auditions@camaratamusic.com or info@camaratamusic.com. We look forward to meeting you!
(Courtesy: Dr. Ryan Goessl)
About camarata music
Address: B1, 39-16 Yongsan-dong2ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Email: info@camaratamusic.com
To learn more, visit Camarata Music's website: CLICK HERE
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