Dr. Kevin T. Padworski is the Artistic Director of The Colorado Chorale and Director of Vocal Music at Colorado Academy. Dr. Padworski sat down with us to discuss the music he’ll compose for the 2027 Spain Choral Festival, the theme of “Illuminating Sound, Vivid Expression,” and working with the festival’s Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. Catherine Sailer.
Tell us about your theme for this festival. How do light and color play into “Illuminating Sound, Vivid Expression?”
Our theme draws from the natural connection between music, light, and color. Just as light illuminates and reveals, music has the power to awaken new perspectives and emotions. In this festival, we explore how choral sound can shimmer like stained glass, glow with warmth, or blaze with brilliance. Spain is known for this vibrant culture, so I can’t wait to pair music and explore the city together!
Why is Spain—specifically Barcelona—a perfect backdrop for this festival?
Barcelona is a city alive with artistry, history, and imagination. From the luminous mosaics of Gaudí’s architecture to the vibrant traditions of Catalan culture and deep musical heritage, the city embodies the very idea of light and color. It offers the perfect setting for a festival that seeks to connect musical expression with visual and emotional brilliance.
What can choirs and their directors expect for their ensembles from this festival? What kind of learning opportunities will it provide?
Choirs will have the unique opportunity to collaborate in a large festival chorus, performing alongside orchestra in one of the most inspiring cities in Europe. Through rehearsals, workshops, and shared performances, ensembles will strengthen their artistry. You will meet new friends, and experience new approaches to performance. We both hope to foster both high-level artistry and meaningful community—equipping singers and directors with tools they can bring back home to their own musical settings.
Your festival is special in that it will be co-directed. Tell us about your joint leadership style and what it will bring to the festival experience.
As a former student and now colleague and fellow conductor of Dr. Sailer’s, I’m so eager to partner with her to bring folks together to perform. We share a belief in collaborative artistry and working together allows us to bring two unique perspectives, two sets of skills, and two complementary artistic voices to the festival. This dual leadership creates a dynamic rehearsal environment, where singers are guided with both precision and imagination. It models the kind of musical partnership we hope to inspire for all.
And you will compose something original! What can you share now about this exciting new piece of music and its impact on the festival?
I’m super excited to compose for this festival! This new composition will be written specifically for this group, inspired by Spain and the theme of light, color, and sound. It will be crafted to highlight the grandeur of a massed choir and orchestra. My goal is to create a piece that resonates deeply with both performers and audiences—music that feels tied to Barcelona’s luminous spirit and the collective, diverse energy of singers gathered from across the world. This premiere will be a unifying centerpiece of the festival, giving participants the rare chance to bring a brand-new work to life.
What kind of takeaway would you be grateful for your attendees to have?
We hope singers and directors leave with a sense of renewed inspiration and connection. Beyond the thrill of the performances, we want them to carry home memories of artistic growth, cultural exploration, and shared community. If our participants leave feeling that their voices mattered in shaping something beautiful—that they were part of a vivid, illuminating musical experience—then we will be profoundly grateful.
The 2027 Spain Choral Festival with Dr. Catherine Sailer and Dr. Kevin T. Padworski will take place from June 27 – July 2.
Interested in learning more?
