Annual vocal music festival highlights Canadian and Indigenous talent across multiple venues
Montreal’s West Island will once again serve as a hub for vocal music this spring as the 13th edition of Festival de la Voix prepares to run from April 4 to April 28, 2026. Curated by Artistic Director Kerry-Anne Kutz, the month-long festival will feature a wide-ranging program of concerts, workshops and community events spanning Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Beaconsfield, Lachine, Ste-Geneviève and downtown Montreal.
The festival, organized by non-profit Vox Aeterna, continues its mandate of showcasing both established and emerging Québecois, Indigenous and Canadian artists while promoting accessibility to high-calibre musical experiences. This year’s edition includes 10 multi-artist concerts featuring more than 50 musicians and vocalists, alongside educational programming for children, students and adults.
Broad musical programming aims to connect audiences and artists
Kutz said the 2026 lineup reflects an intentional balance of genres and artistic voices, ranging from classical and Baroque to folk, jazz and big band.
“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.
A defining feature of Festival de la Voix is its emphasis on interaction between performers and attendees. Audiences are invited to meet artists after concerts, creating opportunities for dialogue and reflection that organizers say can deepen engagement and foster community connections.
Opening weekend and key performances set the tone
The festival opens April 4 with Voices of Vision, featuring performers Viv Kalo, Sionna Ellison and Taurey Butler, along with Jason Lang. Programming throughout the month blends intimate performances with larger ensemble productions.
Highlights include Linda Morrison’s April 11 afternoon concert, which combines folk, blues, jazz and Celtic influences in an interactive sing-along format. That same evening, a tribute to guitarist Carlos Santana will be performed by Dance to the Music of Persuasion.
Choral and classical music programming is also prominent. On April 12, the Vincent-d’Indy School of Music’s High School Music-Study Choir will perform, followed by soprano Myriam Leblanc and Trio Mirabilia presenting selections spanning from Vivaldi to French chanson.
Indigenous collaboration and genre fusion take centre stage
Several performances emphasize cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. The Studio de la musique ancienne de Montréal will present Mystical Tremors on April 18, combining European polyphonic traditions with Indigenous languages through works by composer Andrew Balfour alongside Renaissance composer Antoine Brumel.
On April 24, Nikamu Mamuitun 2 (Songs That Unite Us) will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in a performance centred on cultural exchange and musical dialogue.
Composer Simon Leclerc’s work will also be featured on April 19 in The Multiple Voices of Simon Leclerc, showcasing three vocal quartets and a children’s choir.
Free concert and big band performance among key attractions
A free concert on April 23 will feature singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aleksi Campagne, offering broader public access to the festival.
The following weekend will spotlight jazz and big band music, with the Festival de la Voix 18-piece Big Band led by Ron Di Lauro and featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Ranee Lee performing on April 25.
The festival concludes April 28 with the Chad Linsley Trio, joined by trumpeter Mike Cartile and vocalists Kristin Hoff and Kerry-Anne Kutz, at Le 9e atop the Eaton Centre.
Education and community outreach remain central
Beyond performances, Festival de la Voix continues to prioritize education and community engagement. Programming for children includes Sing, Sing, Sing! for ages one to six, as well as a percussion workshop led by Craig Girardin for older children and adults.
The festival will also present concerts tailored for elementary and secondary school students, featuring groups such as Musiquemosaïque and the 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Concert Band.
Additionally, a Gospel Power Hour workshop led by conductor Kimble Sherwood will take place on April 18.
Accessible pricing and community focus
Ticket prices range from $25 to $42, with discounts available for students and seniors. Concert passports and free event options are also offered to ensure accessibility.
Kutz acknowledged the challenge of highlighting standout performances in such a diverse program.
“It’s tough to choose because they are all really 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.”
With its mix of performances, workshops and outreach initiatives, Festival de la Voix continues to position itself as a key cultural event in Montreal’s West Island, aiming to bring together audiences of all ages and backgrounds through the shared experience of music.