Victoria set to host Canada\u2019s national choral festival, PODIUM 2026<\/p>\n
Published 5:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2026<\/p>\n
Victoria is set to take centre stage in Canada\u2019s choral music scene next month as a national festival brings together singers, conductors and ensembles from across the country.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s choral community.<\/p>\n
\u201cPODIUM 2026 is more than a national gathering \u2014 it is a moment of reflection, connection and renewal for Canada\u2019s collective singing community,\u201d said co-chair Adam Jonathan.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Highlights include the National Youth Choir of Canada, which will perform under guest conductor Julia Davids, and a closing concert featuring Calgary\u2019s Luminous Voices and the Vancouver Youth Choir, including the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by composer Christine Donkin.<\/p>\n
Alongside ticketed performances, the festival will also offer free public programming aiming to bring choral music into the wider community.<\/p>\n
Choirburst, a two-day choral marathon on May 15 and 16, will feature 35 choirs performing at St. Andrew\u2019s Presbyterian Church and the Royal B.C. Museum. Pop-up concerts are also planned at locations across the University of Victoria campus and downtown.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy sharing our songs, we illuminate what becomes possible when voices resonate together,\u201d said co-chair Elizabeth MacIsaac.<\/p>\n