The human voice once again takes centre stage as SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival returns for its 15th anniversary edition from May 19 to June 1, 2026. Recognised as one of Canada’s most dynamic vocal arts celebrations, the festival will present more than 20 events across Toronto, bringing together performers, educators, industry leaders, and audiences through the shared power of singing.

With this year’s theme, Singing Together, the festival showcases the full spectrum of vocal performance—from emerging student voices in educational programming to internationally recognised ensembles and world-class vocal innovators.

A City-Wide Celebration of Vocal Music

Performances and events will take place across Toronto’s major cultural venues, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Koerner Hall at the TELUS Centre for Performance & Learning, The Rec Room, The Great Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, College Park, and Paradise Theatre.

The programme spans concerts, workshops, community activations, and competitions, highlighting genres ranging from pop, jazz, and soul to experimental vocal music and contemporary a cappella.

Festival Highlights and Key Events

The festival opens on May 19, 2026, at The Great Hall with Art Battle, where visual artists create live works inspired by a cappella performances unfolding on stage.

On May 20, a free outdoor preview event at Nathan Phillips Square offers audiences an accessible introduction to the festival’s wide-ranging programming.

On May 21, College Park comes alive with free after-work performances featuring diverse vocal ensembles, followed on May 22 at the Paradise Theatre by One More Spin, the farewell performance of acclaimed ensemble Countermeasure after 16 years of international touring.

Championships, Industry Programming and Special Guests

On May 23, music industry professionals gather for roundtable discussions and networking sessions designed to connect emerging artists with established leaders in the field. That evening at Koerner Hall, the second annual SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships takes place, featuring 16 finalist groups selected from nationwide video submissions. Judges include vocal producer and arranger Deke Sharon, alongside vocal coaches Elaine Overholt and Mo Field.

On May 24 at the Royal Ontario Museum, audiences are invited to the Aca-Singalong, a high-energy participatory event led by Deke Sharon, featuring iconic songs from Pitch Perfect, including “Since U Been Gone,” along with special guest performances from Canadian ensemble Splüsh.

Later that evening, the newly added Retrocity performance brings a nostalgic 1980s-inspired set to life, transforming popular hits into immersive, audience-inclusive a cappella arrangements.

Beatboxing, Community, and Pride Celebration

From May 29 to May 31, The Rec Room hosts the Great North Beatbox Festival, presented by Beatbox Canada. As North America’s largest dedicated beatboxing event, it features workshops, showcases, and live competitions celebrating vocal percussion artistry.

The festival concludes on June 1, 2026, at the Royal Ontario Museum with SING! With Pride, an official Pride Toronto Major Cultural Event celebrating music, identity, and community. The concert features acclaimed Swedish ensemble The Real Group alongside Toronto’s Singing Out Chamber Ensemble, one of the country’s largest 2SLGBTQQIA+ community choirs.

Hosted by Broadway and Stratford performer Thom Allison, the evening also includes the presentation of the SING! Toronto Legacy Award to Canadian jazz vocalist Heather Bambrick, recognising her outstanding contributions to vocal music.

Education, Access and Community Engagement

Beyond its performance programme, SING! continues its commitment to education and accessibility. The festival includes a School Workshop Day for Grades 7–12, led by The Real Group, offering students hands-on vocal training and ensemble experience. A free Virtual Music Business Summit also runs during the festival, featuring industry experts discussing careers in performance, production, and music entrepreneurship.

Ticket prices range from free community events to premium performances at $61.50, with discounted pricing available for students and arts workers. Full programming details are available at singtoronto.com/2026-events.

About SING!

Founded in 2012 by a small group of volunteers, SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival has grown into a nationally recognised cultural institution and a leading platform for vocal innovation in Canada.

Over the past 15 years, the festival has helped launch the careers of emerging Canadian a cappella artists while building international connections through partner festivals in Edinburgh, Mexico, Texas, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Supported by presenting sponsor TD Bank and the following:

• Soprano Sponsors: Government of Canada, Ontario Creates. Ontario Arts Council
• Countertenor Sponsors: Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, IKEA Downtown Toronto, Sanderson Entertainment Law. City of Toronto
• Tenor Sponsors: Centauri Arts, Harris Institute, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Heartwood Farm and Cidery
  Bass Sponsors: Baird Artist Management
• Music Business Summit Sponsors: Canadian Music Spotlight and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
• Media Sponsors: Acaville Radio, Maple Music Café, Toronto OnDemand, Canadian Music Spotlight, Record World International, wave.fm, Cashbox Canada, EMG Collectives
• SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships Venue and Prize Sponsors: Harris Institute, Singer’s Company, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Canada’s Music Incubator, Royal Conservatory of Music, The Daniels Corporation