Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is HarbourVOICES?
A: HarbourVOICES! is an international festival of collective singing traditions that brings together choirs, vocal ensembles, and individual singers for concerts, workshops, shared singing experiences, and cultural exchange in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
Q: When will the next HarbourVOICES festival take place?
A: The next HarbourVOICES! festival will take place July 2-7, 2027 in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Full festival details and the detailed schedule will be announced closer to the event.
Q: Where does the festival take place?
A: Festival programming will take place across multiple venues in St. John’s, including:
- Concert halls
- Community venues
- Outdoor performance spaces
- The St. John’s Convention Centre
Many events will take place in the downtown core, making it easy for participants to move between festival locations.
Q: Who can participate in HarbourVOICES?
A: HarbourVOICES! welcomes community choirs, youth choirs, professional choirs, school choirs, university ensembles, folk and traditional singing groups, cultural vocal collectives, faith-based choirs, and individual singers who are not travelling with a choir/group.
Q: What participation pathways are available?
A: HarbourVOICES! offers three participation pathways:
- Harbour Lights
- Harbour Stages
- Solo Together
Each pathway offers a different combination of performances, workshops, and festival experiences. For details, visit our Festival Pathways for Participation section.
Q: Do choirs participating in the Harbour Lights pathway perform?
A: Harbour Lights offers a vibrant, participation-focused experience designed to fully immerse choirs in the spirit of the festival. Choirs will take part in massed choir performances, pop-up concerts, workshops, HarbourGALA! and HarbourSING! events. Harbour Lights groups do not perform in the 25 min. formal concerts, but participate in all other aspets of the festival.
Q: How long are performances for those participating in the Harbour Stages pathway?
A: Harbour Stages ensembles receive 25 minutes of stage time, including entrances, introductions, repertoire, applause, and transitions.
Q: Do Solo Together participants perform?
A: Solo Together participants join together to sing in the Solo Together choir, collaborative singing projects, and massed choir performances as part of the HarbourGALA! and HarbourSING! events.
Q: What is HarbourSING?
A: HarbourSING! is an open-air celebration of singing that takes place throughout downtown St. John’s along the harbourfront, Water Street pedestrian areas, and George Street.
Q: What is the HarbourGALA! Concert?
A: The HarbourGALA! Concert is a signature HarbourVOICES! event featuring special guest performers and a massed choir experience involving festival participants.
Q: Will there be workshops and presentations?
A: Yes. HarbourVOICES! offers workshops, masterclasses, plenary sessions, and presentations led by guest artists and choral leaders.
Q: What is a Signature Concert and why are tickets priced differently?
A: Signature Concerts are special, feature performances within the festival that highlight unique artistic collaborations, internationally recognized artists, or large-scale productions. These events often involve additional production elements and guest artists, which is reflected in the ticket pricing. We’re proud to offer a range of concert experiences across the festival, many included within participation or offered at accessible pricing.
Q: Will there be pop-up performances?
A: Yes. Informal pop-up performances take place throughout the festival and allow groups to share music in relaxed community settings.
Q: Are children’s choirs and youth choirs welcome?
A: Yes. Children’s choirs and youth choirs are strongly encouraged to participate in HarbourVOICES!
Q: Are chaperones required for children’s choirs and youth choirs?
A: Yes. Children’s choirs and youth choirs must travel with adequate adult supervision.
Q: Are adult chaperones considered participants (for the purposes of registration numbers and participation fees)?
A: Yes. Adult chaperones are considered participants, as they would be attending the festival and supervising throughout the event.
Q: Does HarbourVOICES supervise youth participants?
A: No. Supervision remains the responsibility of the participating ensemble.
Q: Are travel and accommodations included?
A: No. Transportation, accommodation, and meals are not included in festival registration.
Q: Will accommodation options be recommended?
A: Yes. A list of suggested accommodation options will be provided with a range of price points.
Q: Is St. John’s walkable?
A: Yes. Many festival venues will be located within the downtown core and are easily accessible on foot.
Q: What is the weather like in July?
A: July in St. John’s is generally mild but weather can change quickly. Participants should pack layers and rain gear.
Q: Is there a required repertoire theme?
A: No. HarbourVOICES! welcomes a wide range of repertoire reflecting different cultural traditions and singing styles. Some festival events may involve shared repertoire or thematic programing, which will be communicated in advance.
Q: Are choirs required to sing Newfoundland & Labrador repertoire?
A: No. However, choirs are encouraged to include repertoire that reflects their own storytelling, cultural identity, or collective singing traditions.
Q: Will sound amplification and keyboard/piano be available?
A: Most festival performances are expected to be acoustic or lightly amplified. Technical requirements will be shared with participating ensembles closer to the festival. Some venues may provide access to a piano depending on the performance format. Choirs that require accompaniment should indicate this during the application process.
Q: Do international singers need a visa?
A: Some international participants may require a visa or travel authorization to enter Canada. It is the responsibility of each participant to confirm and meet entry requirements.
Q: Can HarbourVOICES! provide invitation letters?
A: Yes. Invitation letters can be provided for registered participants who require documentation for visa applications, institutional approvals, or grant funding.
HarbourVOICES! is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Many festival venues will be wheelchair accessible. Participants who require accommodations related to mobility, sensory, or learning needs are encouraged to contact the festival team as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be explored.
Q: Will the festival be photographed or recorded?
A: Yes. HarbourVOICES! may photograph or record portions of the festival for promotional and archival purposes. Additional details will be provided during registration.
Q: Can participants take photos or recordings?
A: In many cases, yes. However, recording policies may vary depending on venue rules and performance formats. Guidelines will be shared closer to the festival.
Q: Will HarbourVOICES! promote participating choirs?
A: Yes. Participating ensembles may be featured in festival marketing materials, social media, and the festival program. Choirs/groups will be asked to submit photos, biographies, and promotional materials.
Q: When do applications open?
A: Choir/group applications will open on April 1, 2026.
Q: What materials must each choir/group submit?
A: Choirs/groups will be asked to submit ensemble information and a biography. Harbour Stages choirs/groups will need to provide recent audio recordings, video recordings (strongly encouraged), programs, and technical requirements.
Q: What happens after our application is submitted? (Harbour Stages and Harbour Lights)
A: Our Artistic Team will review and assess your application, and you will receive a response as soon as possible. (Typically within 2 weeks)
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation dates:
- Until April 1, 2027 – full refund minus $50 administration fee
- April 2 – May 15, 2027 – 50% refund minus $50 administration fee
- May 16, 2027 – non-refundable
Q: What are CAD and HST?
A: CAD is our Canadian currency (Canadian dollars) and HST is Canada’s 15% Harmonized Sales Tax.
Volunteer With Us
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Funders & Partners
