Choral Convergence: A Festival for ALL Voices

In the spring of 2026, Choir Alberta will launch a brand-new choral festival called “Choral Convergence: A festival for ALL voices.” Designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of choirs and singing groups across the province, this festival will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Choral Convergence was created in response to two major shifts in the Canadian choral landscape: the economic realities of the post-pandemic world and the growing diversity within the choral community. Choirs are seeking lower cost festival opportunities closer to home (rather than on tour) and, as Alberta’s choral community expands to upward of 2,500 unique choirs and singing groups, they are seeking opportunities to learn from one another and share their art.

Choral Convergence will welcome all types of singing groups from elementary school choirs to a cappella groups and youth choirs to Barbershop groups. Each participating choir will build its own festival experience by choosing from a range of components that best align with its goals. These components include:

• performance opportunities at the festival venue and in downtown Calgary through pop-up choir performances
• workshops on a variety of relevant topics
• clinics focused on each choir’s music
• collaborative and creative shared singing sessions
• professional development opportunities for teachers and conductors, including universal festival access for conductors/leaders of all participating groups

The festival’s clinicians will include some of North America’s most respected choral leaders and educators. These individuals will be selected for their experience working with the different kinds of groups and musical styles represented at the festival. In this way, all participants will receive specialized, high-quality learning opportunities in an accessible, inclusive format.

Choral Convergence will also present a feature concert performed by one of North America’s most widely recognized vocal ensembles. This concert will excite and inspire festival participants, showcasing the artistic possibilities of singing at the highest level.

In its inaugural year, the festival aims to engage 25+ choirs and 1,000 singers. By meeting choirs where they are, promoting connection among choral singers, and providing exceptional learning opportunities, the festival will contribute to the long-term health and vitality of Alberta’s choral sector, ensuring that group singing continues to thrive as a vital part of life in our communities.

Choral Convergence will benefit choral singers, teachers, conductors and leaders, as well as the general public.

Singers of all ages from across Alberta, including those from both urban and rural communities, will take part in the festival. They will include children, youth, and adults, as well as individuals living with disabilities. The event will bring together singers at every stage of their musical journey, from those just discovering an interest in group singing to lifelong choristers with decades of experience. While many will come from Calgary where the festival will be hosted, others will travel from communities across the province. Singers will benefit by learning under the guidance of renowned clinicians, observing performances by other choirs, and connecting with their choral peers.

The festival will also benefit conductors, teachers, and leaders of singing groups. These individuals will have universal access to all festival activities, including performances, workshops, and professional development sessions. They will return to their home choirs with an enhanced toolkit of rehearsal techniques, fresh artistic ideas, and expanded professional networks that will support continued growth and collaboration across Alberta’s choral community.

Finally, the wider community will benefit through opportunities to experience live choral music. Whether attending festival concerts or encountering pop-up performances throughout downtown Calgary, audiences will enjoy an uplifting and inspiring celebration of choral artistry that fosters joy, belonging, and community pride.