Event Details

Started in 2011 on a shoestring budget with seven enthusiasts, SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival has become Canada’s premier celebration of the human voice, showcasing the power and versatility of a cappella singing (music performed without instrumental accompaniment). Held annually in late May through early June across multiple high-profile venues across Toronto, this vibrant festival brings together professional and emerging vocalists, ensembles, educators, students, and music lovers from around the world. Alongside traditional vocal concerts, SING! has broadened its reach with events like the Great North Beatbox Battle, presented by Beatbox Canada, featuring national competitors and workshops. The festival has attracted high-profile guest artists and collaborators and in 2025, performances included Toronto’s own SoundCrowd with Deke Sharon, Zimbabwean vocal ensemble Black Umfolosi, and a special appearance from Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies, who received the Slaight Music SING! Toronto Legacy Award for his contributions to the vocal arts.

This application is for SING! Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival 2026, taking place over thirteen days from May 20 to June 1, 2026, across multiple venues in Toronto. SING! 2026 is designed to elevate Canada’s premier a cappella and vocal arts festival on the national and international stage. Hosting over twenty-nine events spread across ten venues over thirteen days, this year’s Festival is the most ambitious undertaking in the organization’s history. The introduction of new high-profile venues, including Koerner Hall and the Opera House, allows the Festival to greatly expand its programming and audience, positioning Toronto as a destination for vocal arts tourism. Programming includes: (1) Expanded flagship events and competitions: the SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships at Koerner Hall, featuring national competitors and judges Deke Sharon and Steven Page, a Pride Month kickoff concert, and a large-scale Pitch Perfect Singalong at the Royal Ontario Museum designed to engage audiences directly in collective singing experiences; (2) Free and participatory public programming: city-wide outdoor and indoor concerts and activations including preview performances at Nathan Phillips Square, free concerts at College Park, a community showcase at Stephenson Park, and multiple audience singalong events, reinforcing the festival’s theme of “singing together” and encouraging repeat visitation; (3) Concerts, showcases and special events: ticketed performances featuring Canadian and international artists, beatboxing competitions, large-ensemble concerts, and collaborative visual art and vocal performances. These will be presented at major venues including Koerner Hall, the Opera House, the Royal Ontario Museum, The Great Hall, and The Rec Room; and (4) Professional development: a comprehensive Business Summit delivered online, live workshops and roundtables at Koerner Hall, youth workshops, school programs, and interactive rehearsals led by international headliners such as The Real Group.