Praised by the Miami Herald for their “impressive maturity and striking melodic distinction”, Sydney Guillaume’s compositions are known to be intricate, challenging and yet highly spirited. They promote human values and are full of heart and passion. His compositions continually enthrall choirs everywhere and have been performed around the world.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sydney Guillaume is currently residing in Portland, Oregon working as a full-time composer, conductor and clinician. His recent activities as conductor include the 2022 Georgia All-State Senior Treble Choir, the 2019 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus, the 34th annual Idaho State University Choral Invitational Festival, the 2018 Maine All-State High School Mixed Chorus, an all-Guillaume concert at the Lincoln Center in NYC, and concerts with the Imbroglio Sextet at Carnegie Hall and at the 2018 ISME World Conference in Azerbaijan. Guillaume also writes film music – he has written original film and documentary scores for the Los Angeles based company Loyola Productions.
To learn more, visit https://sydneyguillaume.com
Repertoire
Chapo Pou Fanm
Premiered at the 2013-2014 concert, Half the Sky: Voices of Women Worldwide
SSAA Work
Translation of Haitian Creole text:
Hats Off To Women
For all women who fought in the history of all countries,
For all of us now and all the ones to come,
Hats off, hats off! Bravo, bravo!
Let us shout Hooray!
It is inside us that Kings are made,
In our bellies that Presidents blossom,
We balance out democracy,
And we will fight until the end!
We will fight until the end,
To spread around justice,
To bring a change to all countries,
To bring a smile to life.
For centuries they have suffered,
Pinched their nose to drink smelly water,
But one fine day they revolted
So they could change Humanity.
In Asia, in America,
In Europe like in Africa,
Elbow to elbow all women rose,
Hand in hand to bring a change
Hats off, hats off! Hats off to women! Hooray for women! For all women who fought in the history of all countries, For all of us now and all the ones to come, Bravo, bravo! Let us sing Hooray! Hooray for women! Hats off to women!
About
Commissioned by the ACDA Women's Choir Commission Consortium, Chapo Pou Fanm is a lyrical hymn to women around the globe. It has an upbeat, martial feeling—like a military parade march—showcasing in song women’s strength and natural leadership.