Victoria set to host Canada’s national choral festival, PODIUM 2026

Published 5:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2026

Victoria is set to take centre stage in Canada’s choral music scene next month as a national festival brings together singers, conductors and ensembles from across the country.

PODIUM 2026, a bilingual choral conference and festival presented by Choral Canada and the British Columbia Choral Federation, is expected to run from May 14 to 17 at venues across the city, including the University of Victoria.

Organizers say the event will draw hundreds of delegates and thousands of performers and audience members, making it one of the largest gatherings of the country’s choral community.

“PODIUM 2026 is more than a national gathering — it is a moment of reflection, connection and renewal for Canada’s collective singing community,” said co-chair Adam Jonathan.

Attendees can expect eight main concerts showcasing choirs from across Canada and beyond, including youth ensembles, professional groups and regional choirs. Performances will take place at the Farquhar Auditorium, Phillip T. Young Recital Hall and Christ Church Cathedral.

Highlights include the National Youth Choir of Canada, which will perform under guest conductor Julia Davids, and a closing concert featuring Calgary’s Luminous Voices and the Vancouver Youth Choir, including the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by composer Christine Donkin.

Alongside ticketed performances, the festival will also offer free public programming aiming to bring choral music into the wider community.

Choirburst, a two-day choral marathon on May 15 and 16, will feature 35 choirs performing at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Royal B.C. Museum. Pop-up concerts are also planned at locations across the University of Victoria campus and downtown.

“By sharing our songs, we illuminate what becomes possible when voices resonate together,” said co-chair Elizabeth MacIsaac.

Residents can buy festival passes and individual tickets on the website, with discounted rates for students and seniors.