James Libbey is the dynamic artistic director of the renowned Voices International choir, a position he has held with distinction since January 2018. Hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Libbey boasts an impressive academic background with a Doctor of Education in International Education (Northcentral University), a Master of Music Degree (University of Toronto), and both a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Music Degree from Queen’s University.
Under his visionary leadership, Voices International has not only flourished but has more than tripled in size, earning acclaim for its vibrant energy, inclusiveness, and memorable performances. Dr. Libbey’s positive and engaging rehearsal techniques have inspired singers to reach new heights, allowing the choir to deliver electrifying concerts that celebrate a rich tapestry of global music.
With over 30 years of choral conducting experience, Dr. Libbey has led choirs across Luxembourg, Austria, and Canada. His expertise has also made him a sought-after guest conductor, having directed prestigious ensembles such as the AMIS European Middle School Girls’ Honor Choir in Waterloo, Belgium, and the AMIS European Middle School Boys’ Honor Choir in both Rome and Brussels.
Last year, he had the honor of conducting the AMIS Treble Choir in London as part of the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Dr. Libbey’s talent extends beyond conducting, as his original choral compositions have been premiered by choirs in cities like Aberdeen, London, Frankfurt, Rome, Brussels, and Luxembourg. He is also a published author and contributes regularly to the fields of international and music education. An accomplished musician in his own right, he has toured extensively with various bands, recorded seven full-length albums, and even produced a concert DVD. His vibrant stage presence and passion for audience engagement infuse his choral performances with an unforgettable energy.For the past 20 years, Dr. Libbey has been an esteemed music teacher at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL), where his commitment to music education continues to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians.
Commissioned Compositions
An ardent believer in supporting the creation of new musical works, Libbey has fostered an ongoing investment featuring new choral literature including:
The Want of Peace by Jago Thornton – December 2025
Bracia, patrzcie jeno by Teofil Klonowski arranged by Michal Waligora – December 2025
Snow by Ivan Boumans – December 2022
Keep Me Fully Glad by Mark Sirett – December 2021
Luxembourg Premiere Performances
Under Libbey’s artistic direction, Voices International has featured the Luxembourgish premieres of multiple songs including but not limited to the following:
2025
Ta na Solbici by Samo Vovk
Turlutte acadienne montrealaise by Marie-Claire Saindon
Flight by Craig Carnelia, arranged by Ryan Murphy
Cikala le Pong Pong, Pakpaknese Traditional Song arranged by. Ken Steven
Apple Tree by Aurora
Kling No Klokka! by Gordon Thornett
Tu Scendi Dalle, Arranged by Stephen DeCesare
2024
Ahlan Wa Sahlan by Kyle Pederson
Fire – by Katerina Gimon
Temen Oblak by Christopher Tin
Tshela Moya / Ke nna yo Morena, Traditional Sesotho Arranged by Michael Barrett
2023
Splendor from Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg
Jubildate Deoe by Dan Forrest with CORO Simfonico portugual
2022
Ujedenite Se by Jim Papoulis
Jubilate Deo by Dan Forrest
2021
Glow by Eric Whitacre
2019
Tundra by Ola Gjeilo
TRÊS CANTOS NATIVOS dos Indios Kraó PRIMEIRO CANTO arranged by Marcos Leite
2018
Silence, Frost & Beauty: A Winter Triptypch by Mark Sirett
Barter by Mark Sirett