HarbourVoices Festival Set to Enliven St. John's with Global Choral Performances

St. John's, renowned for its vibrant culture, is about to become even livelier with the inauguration of HarbourVoices, a new music festival expected to draw a wide range of talent from across Canada and possibly the globe. The six-day event, commencing on June 29, 2024, is being celebrated as an 'ocean wave of singing, songs, stories, and sharing' that emphasizes diversity and traditions, with a special spotlight on local talent.

Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation

HarbourVoices promises to be an international celebration of collective singing traditions, attracting up to 1,400 participants, including some from distant places like the Philippines. Susan Quinn of the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble likens the festival to the 'Olympics of choral music,' placing Newfoundland and Labrador prominently on the global map for group singing. The festival's schedule is packed with non-traditional performances, interactive workshops, insightful presentations, and artistic collaborations.

A Cornucopia of Choral Activities

Audiences can anticipate impromptu concerts from 24 guest groups and 12 special participating ensembles from around the world and throughout Canada. The grand finale—a collective performance by all festival attendees—will take place at the Mary Brown's Centre in downtown St. John's on July 4. For choral enthusiasts like Jen Buley, this represents a thrilling chance to witness and partake in an unparalleled choral extravaganza. Newfoundland and Labrador's rich choral history, including past events like Festival 500 which began in 1997, sets a precedent for HarbourVoices' anticipated success. Additionally, HarbourVoices has garnered support from the provincial government as part of the Year of the Arts initiative.

Festival, Choral, Music