top of page

Singer | Composer | Conductor

 

Hussein is a singer, composer and musical educationlist passionate about choral music. A South Asian Ismaili Muslim, born in Kenya, raised in Central Alberta and nurtured in Bristish Columbia, music was the inspiration for him to transform negativity through racism and discrimination into something more positive. Singing with others was the bridge between choral music in school and congregational recitation in the prayer hall allowing Hussein to reconcile his Canadian and Muslim identities. Knowing first hand the power of group singing, Hussein is dedicated to making it possible for young people of all backgrounds to access and enjoy the benefits of creating and singing choral music of the highest level while contributing their strengths and diversities to a plural Canada. 

Performance
Baritone
Choral Conducting
Concert Production

Hussein sings with the Elmer Iseler Singers as the James T. Chesnutt Choral Scholar. He has also sung with Chor Leoni Men's Choir, Laudate Singers, Phoenix Chamber Choir (Vancouver), UBC University Singers, and the National Youth Choir under the direction of Lydia Adams, Diane Loomer, James Fankhauser, Lars Kaario, Leonard Ratzlaff, George Evelyn, Robert Cooper and Dr. Graeme Langager.

 

Hussein has conducted Cor Flammae (Canada’s first queer professional choir), Douglas College Chorus, Vancouver Peace Choir, UBC Choral Union, Willow Street Singers and the UBC Women’s and Chamber Choirs. Other collaborations include concerts with African, First Nations, and Sufi musicians presenting diverse works from around the world. 

Hussein's compositions explore the sonic intersections of the Muslim world with everyday life and encounters with others. Notable highlights include:

  • 2014 Commission by the Aga Khan Museum Nur: Reflections on Light for the Ismaili Centre Toronto opening, performed by the Elmer Iseler Singers and Guest Ismaili Singers

  • 2010 Project supported by the Canada Council for the Arts Nurun ala Nur: Light upon Light premiered by the Elmer Iseler Singers (Lydia Adams, Conductor)

  • 2005 Commission and Premiere of Mombasa Matatu Meditation by The Esoterics (Eric Banks, Conductor)

  • 2004 Commission by West Coast Sacred Arts Soceity of Gatherings  for a tribute concert to His Holiness Dalai Lama.co-composed with Lil'Wat writer Russell Wallace, and premiered by Youth Peace Choir (Hussein Janmohamed, Conductor)  

Hussein is a sought after speaker and facilitator delivering interactive choral based workshops on themes of identity, leadership, diversity, and community building. Participants make connections through singing and creating music, regardless of their music background. In fact no music experience is required.

Speaking engagements include the TEDx Terry Talks, IB World Student Conference, UBC Jumpstart Opening Ceremony for International Students, BC Music Educators Association, International Society of Music Educators, Ismaili Muslim community youth & teacher training, UBC Student Leadership Conference.

Hussein’s choral music and community interests combined with his appetite to nurture pluralism and cultural identity led him to co-found Ismaili Muslim Youth Choirs which Hussein has conducted in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan and Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Hussein has also conducted the Sarah McLachlan Children's Choir who appeared in the Young Artists for Haiti video with K'Naan and other Canadian recording artists.

bottom of page