Jon Washburn

Jon Washburn is the Conductor and Artistic Director of Canada's outstanding professional vocal ensemble, the Vancouver Chamber Choir. He travels widely as guest conductor, lecturer, clinician and master teacher. In addition to Canada and the United States, he has performed in over 15 other countries around the world. His musical experience is wide-ranging and eclectic. He has been a jazz bass player and band leader, done musical theatre, played viola da gamba and violone, taught at the secondary, college and university levels, been an artist-in-residence, a radio host, music engraver, music librarian, chorusmaster, conductor and artistic director.
 
He is a champion of new choral repertoire, having commissioned and premiered over 200 new works by Canadian, American and European composers, and is an active composer, arranger, lyricist and editor as well. He has recorded over 30 discs for several labels, and in 2001, he was made a member of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor, and in 2002 received Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the Arts in Canada..