Unison Festival 2026 in Vancouver
Celebrate the power of music and community at Unison Festival, welcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ choirs from across Canada to Vancouver for over 25 concerts this May.
Experience the energy, connection, and spirit of choral music live on stage and be part of something special. This year’s theme is “Music Healing Spirit” which speaks to the transformative power of music in our lives – especially during times of challenge, change, and renewal.
Unison Festival 2026 in Vancouver
- Dates: Friday, May 15 to Monday, May 18, 2026
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton, Vancouver)
- Tickets: Available online now for the Opening Concert on Friday evening, four main concert blocks on Saturday and Sunday, and the Closing Concert on Monday morning
Participating groups will each perform in one of four “concert blocks” scheduled over the weekend. Each block runs approximately 3-3.5 hours and features multiple choirs with a mix of styles and repertoire, so there’s always something to new to enjoy.
The Opening Concert features choirs from British Columbia, singing individual programs and then all together in a massed choral performance. The Closing Concert brings singers together in four large Festival Chorus ensembles, with voices from across Canada sharing the stage.
About the Hosts
This year the Unison Festival is hosted by the Vancouver Men’s Chorus (VMC), which brings experience and a strong sense of community to this national gathering. Founded in 1981 by gay men and their friends, the chorus is a TTBB ensemble dedicated to advancing quality choral art while championing communities of diverse ages, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Willi Zwozdesky, the VMC continues to build on a long tradition of choral excellence. Willi’s work as a conductor, arranger, and educator has shaped the sound and direction of the chorus for more than 40 years. He is joined by Assistant Conductor David Buchan and longtime accompanist Dr. Stephen Smith.
“Choral singing is about connection as much as it is about sound,” says Willi. “It’s about how people come together, share stories, and create something meaningful as a group. Hosting Unison gives us a chance to extend that experience across the country.”
Len Cousineau, Executive Director of the VMC and Co-Chair of the Unison 2026 Planning Committee, sees the festival as a natural extension of that work. “We’re looking forward to welcoming choirs from across Canada and creating an environment where people feel included, supported, and inspired. That sense of community is what makes this kind of gathering so special.”
Follow Unison Festival on Instagram and Facebook for updates and social events for delegates.
Miss604 is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s festival
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