As conductors, as experts, we can be afraid to even give away even a little bit of the authority to the ensemble itself. But when I involve my students in repertoire decisions, I overwhelmingly come away inspired, aware of new music, and excited that they are excited.
I don’t mean that they make all the decisions, or that I cede my authority; but I do empower them and listen seriously to their ideas, and do my best to incorporate as much as I can into the repertoire that they sing.
It’s a balancing act, and I don’t always do it perfectly, but it’s thrilling to let the ensemble have ownership in this realm of the ensemble.