Festival showcases more than 50 artists across multiple Montreal-area venues through April 28
Festival de la Voix will return to Montreal’s West Island this month for its 13th annual edition, offering a month-long program of concerts, workshops and family events featuring more than 50 musicians and vocalists from Quebec and across Canada.
Running from April 4 to April 28, the 2026 edition of the festival will take place across multiple venues in Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Beaconsfield, Lachine, Ste-Geneviève and downtown Montreal. Organized by non-profit group Vox Aeterna and curated by artistic director Kerry-Anne Kutz, the event will present a broad range of musical genres, from Baroque and classical to jazz, folk, Indigenous music and big band performances.
Artistic director says 13th edition highlights broad musical diversity
“For this lucky 13th edition of the festival, each artist and every ensemble will share their exquisite, creative talents in an intricate balance of musical genres—from Baroque through folk, to Brel, Barbara and big band. Every concert and workshop is an unforgettable experience for all music lovers which enriches our audiences, fosters a deep connection through music, and perpetuates a sense of belonging and well-being,” said Kutz.
Festival organizers said the event is designed not only to showcase musical talent but also to create opportunities for dialogue between performers and audiences. Attendees will be invited to meet artists following performances, with organizers saying the exchanges help broaden perspectives and strengthen community ties.
The 2026 lineup includes singer-songwriters, choirs, jazz ensembles, orchestras, Indigenous performers, family sing-alongs, Celtic music acts and vocal quartets, trios and duos.
Programming spans established and emerging Canadian artists
Among the featured performances is Linda Morrison in Concert on April 11, an intimate afternoon event highlighting the singer-songwriter’s folk, blues, jazz and Celtic repertoire, along with audience sing-alongs.
Later that evening, Dance to the Music of Persuasion will pay tribute to guitarist Carlos Santana with a performance dedicated to his music.
On April 12, the Vincent-d’Indy School of Music High School Music-Study Choir will perform a program of choral works, followed by soprano Myriam Leblanc and Trio Mirabilia presenting selections ranging from Vivaldi to Barbara.
One of the festival’s signature performances will be Studio de la musique ancienne de Montréal’s Mystical Tremors on April 18, blending European polyphonic music with Indigenous languages through composer Andrew Balfour’s Missa Tekakwitha and The Seven Stones of Grandfather’s Prophecies, alongside Antoine Brumel’s Missa Et ecce terræ motus.
The following day, The Multiple Voices of Simon Leclerc will spotlight the composer and arranger’s work through performances by Quartom, Musaïque and The Montreal Vocal Jazz Quartet, as well as the Edgewater Elementary School Choir.
Free concert and headline jazz performances among late-April highlights
A free concert by award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aleksi Campagne will be held April 23, with passes available through Pointe-Claire Stewart Hall.
Nikamu Mamuitun 2 (Songs That Unite Us), scheduled for April 24, will celebrate collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous singer-songwriter-instrumentalists.
The festival’s big band showcase on April 25 will feature the 18-piece Festival de la Voix Big Band led by Ron Di Lauro, with jazz vocalist Ranee Lee headlining.
The festival will conclude April 28 with the Chad Linsley Trio at Le 9e atop the Eaton Centre, featuring pianist Chad Linsley, trumpeter Mike Cartile, vocalist Kristin Hoff and Kutz.
Family programming and education initiatives remain key part of festival
Festival organizers said youth and family programming will continue to play a central role in this year’s edition.
Children aged one to six can attend Sing, Sing, Sing! on April 4, a morning sing-along concert featuring Kutz, pianist Michael Woytiuk and trumpeter Michael Cartile. A percussion workshop led by Craig Girardin will follow later that day for children aged seven to 12, with adults also welcome.
The festival will also present educational concerts for elementary and secondary school students, featuring Musiquemosaïque and the 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Concert Band.
Kutz highlights standout performances from 2026 lineup
Pressed to identify personal highlights from the 2026 program, Kutz pointed to several marquee events.
“It’s tough to choose because they are all great concerts… I’ll say Studio de la musique ancienne de Montréal which celebrates the vitality and sensuality of Renaissance and Baroque music; Ranee Lee and the Festival de la Voix Big Band for lovers of the big band era; The Multiple Voices of Simon Leclerc with gorgeous vocal compositions and arrangements for the three vocal quartets and children’s choir; and Myriam Leblanc who has one of the most beautiful soprano voices in the world.”
Additional programming includes the Gospel Power Hour workshop led by gospel conductor Kimble Sherwood on April 18.
Festival aims to expand access to multicultural music programming
Founded by Vox Aeterna, Festival de la Voix is intended to promote the human voice through multicultural concerts and workshops while improving access to arts programming for people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
Tickets for festival events range from $25 to $42, with discounts available for seniors and students. Concert passports are also available.
More information on programming, artists and venues can be found at festivaldelavoix.com.