CvA Changemakers

In Changemakers, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam presents a series of interviews with influential artists about their work, creative vision, and the role of music in society. The moderator is former Artist In Residence Gillian Moore.

Gillian Moore

Gillian Moore is a pioneer in the integration of education and artistic practice. She has been combating inequality in classical music for years, through initiatives such as the Southbank Centre's Women in Music programs, and its close relationship with Chineke!, “Europe's first majority black orchestra”. Read more

November 2025 | Claron McFadden

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, CvA Changemakers will welcome soprano Claron McFadden, Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Gillian Moore will interview Claron about the different aspects of her artistic life, her choices, and the ways in which she uses music to connect and inspire, both on stage and beyond.

About Claron McFadden
American soprano Claron McFadden (New York, 1961) has lived in the Netherlands since the 1980s. She studied singing at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, graduating with honors. Her career is multifaceted: in addition to her work with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, she performs with renowned orchestras such as the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century and the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and collaborates with conductors William Christie and Reinbert de Leeuw, and composers such as Michel van der Aa and Jörg Widmann.
McFadden is also active in contemporary and interdisciplinary projects and mentors students at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, sharing her knowledge and experience of diverse musical styles and creative processes.

Tue 25 November
16.30h CvA Blue Stage

May 2025 | Orlando Ceder

On 12 May, Gillian Moore interviewed Orlando Ceder, who will take over as Artist in Residence in the next academic year. Orlando Ceder is a singer, arranger, musical entrepreneur and educator in Amsterdam-Zuidoost working at the intersection of music, education and cultural connection. He focuses on building and strengthening bridges between different cultural worlds, especially the relationship between the district of Amsterdam Zuidoost and the conservatoire.

Gillian Moore and Orlando Ceder will talk about Orlando’s artistic and educational vision, and how his residency can contribute to new perspectives on music education inside and outside the CvA.

More about Artist in Residence Orlando Ceder

October 2024 | Laura Hassler

In October, Gillian Moore had an inspiring conversation with Laura Hassler, founder and director of Musicians without Borders. Musicians Without Borders is a leader in using music for social change. For 25 years, the organisation has worked with people and communities affected by war, conflict and displacement around the world.

June 2024 | Marin Alsop

Last month, Marin Alsop was our esteemed guest in the CvA Changemakers Interview Series. Our Artist in Residence, Gillian Moore, sat down with Marin to delve into her remarkable journey. Among other topics, she shares one of the most important lessons she learned from her mentor, Leonard Bernstein.

1 February 2024 | Davóne

'What does it mean to be a singer in 2024 and how can you foster change as an artist?'
In this first interview, Gillian Moore will ask classical singer Davóne questions about this theme. Davóne, heralded as a ‘singer of immense power and fervour’ and ‘one of the most powerful voices of our time’ (Los Angeles Times) will tell his personal story during this interview.

About Davóne Tines
This next generation leader is a path-breaking artist at the intersection of many histories, cultures, and aesthetics and thus marks the perfect kickoff for CvA's groundbreaking interview series around current changemakers in music. More about Davóne.

Davóne Tines is changing what it means to be a classical singer - The New Yorker