FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HarbourVOICES! International Festival Returns to St. John’s in July 2027
ST. JOHN’S, NL — HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions will return to St. John’s in July 2027, building on the resounding success of its inaugural festival in 2024. The Honourable Andrea Barbour, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced a contribution of $650,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through Celebrate NL. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will contribute $500,000.
HarbourVOICES! 2027 will take place July 2–7, 2027, transforming St. John’s into a hub of global vocal traditions. Over six days, singers, cultural leaders, and audiences from around the world will gather to experience a dynamic celebration of collective singing through performances, workshops, shared experiences, and community events.
HarbourVOICES! is an international festival dedicated to showcasing diverse singing practices while emphasizing collaboration, reciprocal learning, and cultural exchange. The festival places equal value on artistic excellence and cultural connection, inviting participants and audiences alike to engage with musical traditions from across the globe.
“Singing together is a cherished tradition woven into the fabric of life in Newfoundland and Labrador – whether around the kitchen table, in our schools, or as part of community choirs. We are honoured to welcome singers and musical leaders from around the world to experience this spirit firsthand. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to support this significant cultural event through Celebrate NL, recognizing its ability to generate meaningful economic activity while showcasing the artistry and creativity that define our province. We look forward to the musical inspiration and community pride this event will bring.”
Honourable Andrea Barbour
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
The return of HarbourVOICES! reflects the festival’s growing reputation on the international stage. The 2024 inaugural festival welcomed 44 participating groups and presenters, featured a sold-out gala concert, and received widespread praise for its artistic quality, inclusive programming, and strong economic and cultural benefits to the province.
“Events like HarbourVOICES! deliver real economic benefits for Atlantic Canada. The inaugural 2024 festival generated more than $4 million in tourism-related activity in the metro region, supporting local businesses, hospitality providers, and cultural workers. ACOA is proud to support its return in 2027 as it continues to attract international visitors, grow our creative economy, showcase the incredible talent we have right here at home, and position Newfoundland and Labrador as an unforgettable destination for world-class cultural events.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“HarbourVOICES! brings the world to Newfoundland and Labrador, and shares Newfoundland and Labrador with the world,” said Margaret Allan, Chair of the Board. “The 2027 festival builds on the extraordinary momentum of 2024 and deepens our commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration, and the transformative power of singing together.”
Additional details regarding participating artists, international ensembles, venues, and ticketing will be announced in the coming months.
News Archive
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Jacob Collier to headline HarbourVOICES!
ST. JOHN’S, NL — Renowned singer/songwriter Jacob Collier has been announced as the headliner for this year’s HarbourVOICES! festival.
Collier is a six-time Grammy winner and 12-time nominee, and has performed on stages such as the Hollywood Bowl, The Kennedy Centre, Saturday Night Live, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Collier is known for “energetic” live performances, often conducting the audience to sing with him. The singer will headline the HarbourVOICES! gala concert on July 2nd at Mary Browns Centre.
As well, people can also register as a “Solo Together” festival delegate which will give them the chance to rehearse, workshop and perform alongside Collier at the event.
Tickets for the HarbourVOICES! Gala Concert, featuring Jacob Collier, are now on sale online and at the Mary Brown’s Box Office. For HarbourVOICES! ‘Solo Together’ packages and festival concert packages, contact Angela Warren at info@harbourvoices.ca for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HarbourVOICES! International Festival Welcomes Renowed Visiting Groups to St. John’s, NL
ST. JOHN’S, NL — June 28, 2024 – The HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions is thrilled to welcome an array of world-renowned singing groups to this year’s festival. Beginning tomorrow in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador this inaugural event promises to be a vibrant celebration of global musical traditions, featuring captivating performances from visiting groups and local favourites.
M’ANAM, meaning “My Soul” in Irish, is an eight-voice group of men from Iceland and Ireland. Their music combines the heritages of these two ancient cultures, fusing texts from Viking and medieval Irish poets with contemporary compositions. Their unique sound, marked by rich harmonies and emotional depth, has captivated audiences worldwide.
The Phoenix Chamber Choir is known for diverse and eclectic programming, commissions from rising and leading composers, as well as North American premieres of important new works. Based in British Columbia, Phoenix is celebrated for their innovative approach to choral music, fusing different genres and styles to create a truly unique auditory experience. Artistic Director Nicholle Andrews, of NL is excited to bring this group to St. John’s.
One of the most acclaimed choral groups globally, The Philippine Madrigal Singers have a rich history of performing classical, contemporary, and traditional Filipino music. Recognized by UNESCO as Artists for Peace for their efforts in promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and a culture of peace, their performances are renowned for their virtuosity and emotional impact.
The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music, is known for its powerful performances and dedication to cultural preservation. Founded in 1998, the Chorale has performed at prestigious events including the inauguration of President Barack Obama and celebrations honouring Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their repertoire includes a wide range of genres, from classical and spirituals to gospel and jazz, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora.
The World Youth Choir (WYC), established in 1989, has been recognized as a UNESCO Artist for Peace and has performed at significant global events such as the Olympic Games and the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. This year’s festival will feature an alumni session of the WYC, these are up and coming collective singing professionals from around the world singing together for the first time.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $600,000 to the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to support the development and hosting of the HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions. “Music is a unifying force that brings us together through rhythm, passion and storytelling,” said the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “Collective singing traditions are an integral part of our culture and identity, making our province the perfect place to host this one-of-a-kind festival. To all of the musicians and guests participating in this week’s celebration, I hope your time here leaves you with memories to last a lifetime and sends you home filled with the magic of storytelling from Newfoundland and Labrador.” For more information about the Harbour Voices International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions, including the full schedule of performances and events, please visit www.harbourvoices.ca
Watch Amanda Mews from ntv.ca about HarbourVoices! choral festival