Get Ready for the Most Unforgettable Musical Event of the Year at ChoralFest Manitoba – Canada’s Crown Jewel of Choral Music

ChoralFest in Manitoba is not just a musical event—it’s an educational, vibrant, and unique festival that brings together people from across the region to celebrate the power of choral music. Held annually by the Manitoba Choral Association (MCA), this two-week festival welcomes choirs of all backgrounds—from school choirs to community groups—and encourages them to grow, learn, and perform with experts from across North America. Whether you’re a passionate choir member, a music lover, or just someone curious about the magic of live choral performances, ChoralFest is a must-attend experience.

What is ChoralFest?

ChoralFest is a two-week, non-competitive festival held each year in Manitoba, Canada. Organised by the Manitoba Choral Association (MCA), it provides a platform for choirs of all levels to showcase their talents, receive feedback, and improve their skills. With over 120 choirs and approximately 4,500 singers participating each year, this event is one of the most anticipated choral gatherings in the province.

What makes ChoralFest unique is its non-competitive nature. Unlike other music festivals that rank participants, ChoralFest focuses solely on education and development. Choirs are given the opportunity to perform, receive expert coaching, and learn from some of the best choral clinicians in North America. This approach ensures that singers of all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned professionals—feel encouraged and supported throughout their journey.

The Purpose of ChoralFest: An Educational Journey for Every Singer

ChoralFest aims to foster the growth and development of choirs in Manitoba by providing a learning space where singers and conductors can expand their musical knowledge. It’s a celebration of musical collaboration, where participants have the chance to engage with experts who offer guidance on performance techniques, vocal exercises, and repertoire choices.

By including choirs from all over Manitoba, including community groups, schools, and church choirs, the festival helps nurture the province’s vibrant choral community. It provides a space for choirs to learn new skills, receive professional advice, and be inspired to continue their musical journey long after the event ends.

Key Facts About ChoralFest 2025: Dates, Tracks, and Regional Expansion

The next edition of ChoralFest will take place from November 13 to 28, 2025. The festival will feature a wide variety of performances and educational opportunities across different segments, catering to various age groups and types of choirs.

For 2025, the festival will follow a structured schedule, offering sessions for different choir levels and styles:

• Middle Years (Grades 5–8) performances and clinics begin on November 13.
• Senior Years (Grades 9–12) performances and clinics will run from November 17 to 21.
• Community Choir performances and clinics are scheduled for November 21 and 22.
• Vocal Jazz sessions will be held from November 24 to 25.
• Regional Tour: Choirs from outside Winnipeg (those 50 km away) will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and clinics from November 19 to 28.

The festival will be held in multiple venues, with key events happening at places such as Prairie Spirit United Church and Centre culturel franco-manitobain, both located in Winnipeg. The regional tour will extend the festival’s reach across Manitoba, with workshops taking place in various communities across the province, including Central, Interlake, Norman, and Westman.

Participation: Who Can Join ChoralFest?

ChoralFest is open to all types of choirs, from school groups to church choirs, and even adult community ensembles. The festival is designed to be accessible, allowing anyone with an interest in choral music to take part, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re a young choir just starting out or a well-established group, there’s a place for you at ChoralFest.

For choirs to participate, they must be members of the Manitoba Choral Association (MCA), which provides the structure and resources necessary for smooth organisation. Each choir must submit a Choir Information Form that includes their repertoire and a brief choir biography. This ensures that the organisers have the relevant details to match each choir with the right clinicians and workshop sessions.

What Makes ChoralFest Special: Why You Should Attend

There are many reasons why ChoralFest is so special and worth attending. Here are a few key factors that set it apart from other music festivals:

1. Inclusive and Non-Competitive: ChoralFest is designed to be inclusive, offering a space where choirs can learn and grow together, rather than compete. This non-competitive format means that singers of all skill levels can participate and benefit from the experience without the pressure of rankings.
2. Expert Coaching: The festival brings in top choral specialists and clinicians from North America. These experts provide invaluable feedback, coaching, and instruction that help choirs improve their vocal skills, performance techniques, and overall musicality. This is an incredible opportunity for choirs to work with professionals who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the event.
3. Wide Range of Choirs: ChoralFest caters to a wide variety of choirs, from Early Years (Grades K-4) choirs to Senior Years (Grades 9-12) and Adult Community Choirs. The festival also includes a Vocal Jazz track for those interested in more contemporary choral music. This diversity allows for a rich variety of musical styles and performances that everyone can enjoy.
4. Regional Impact: Through its Regional Tour, ChoralFest extends its reach beyond Winnipeg, bringing choral workshops and performances to smaller communities across Manitoba. This expansion helps build the choral infrastructure in rural areas and provides a chance for choirs in those regions to participate in the festival.
5. Community and Cultural Value: ChoralFest is an important cultural event in Manitoba. It provides a platform for people of all ages to engage with music and develop a love for choral singing. Beyond the musical performances, the festival fosters a sense of community, with choirs coming together to learn and grow, creating lasting connections that extend beyond the event itself.

How to Participate in ChoralFest: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re part of a choir and want to participate in ChoralFest, here’s what you need to do:

1. Become a Member of the Manitoba Choral Association (MCA): Only choirs that are members of the MCA can participate in ChoralFest. Joining the MCA gives your choir access to a wealth of resources and events throughout the year, including ChoralFest.
2. Submit Your Choir Information: Each participating choir must submit a Choir Information Form, which includes details about their repertoire and a choir biography. This must be submitted by November 3, 2025.
3. Choose Your Format: Decide whether your choir will participate in the “pod” format (90-minute performance + two clinics) or a shorter workshop session (45 minutes). Each format is tailored to different choir levels and needs.
4. Register Early: To ensure the best possible scheduling, it’s important to register as early as possible. Choirs that register early have the advantage of choosing preferred performance times and workshop slots.
5. Prepare for the Regional Tour: If your choir is based outside Winnipeg (50 km or more), you can apply for the Regional Tour. Be aware that the spots for the regional clinics are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is crucial.
6. Plan Travel and Accommodation: If you’re coming from outside Winnipeg, make sure to book travel and accommodation in advance. The festival runs through mid-November, so hotel rooms in Winnipeg may be in high demand.

What to Expect as a Visitor: How to Enjoy ChoralFest

Even if you’re not part of a choir, ChoralFest offers a fantastic experience for visitors. As a member of the general public, you can enjoy the festival’s wide variety of performances, ranging from middle and senior year choirs to adult community choirs and vocal jazz ensembles.

Check the MCA website or local listings for concert schedules and venue details. Many performances are free to attend, making it an affordable way to experience some of Manitoba’s finest choral music.

If you’re planning to visit Winnipeg during the festival, be sure to check the weather—mid-November in Manitoba can be quite cold, with possible snow. Dress warmly and be prepared for winter conditions!

ChoralFest’s Strategic Impact on Manitoba’s Music Scene

ChoralFest has a significant impact on Manitoba’s choral community. Through its non-competitive, educational format, it helps nurture young talent, develop choir leaders, and expand the province’s musical culture.

The Regional Tour ensures that smaller, rural communities in Manitoba are included, helping to build a strong and diverse choral infrastructure across the province. This outreach makes the festival a key player in strengthening the province’s music education ecosystem, offering opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to choirs in rural areas.

The Heartbeat of Manitoba’s Choral Music Community

ChoralFest in Manitoba is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of community, education, and musical growth. Whether you’re a choir member seeking expert guidance, a lover of choral music looking to experience world-class performances, or a visitor interested in immersing yourself in Manitoba’s rich musical culture, ChoralFest offers something for everyone. With its focus on learning, development, and inclusivity, ChoralFest is a festival that continues to inspire and enrich the lives of everyone involved.

If you’re ready to experience the magic of choral music in Manitoba, don’t miss the chance to be part of ChoralFest 2025. With its commitment to fostering talent and celebrating the power of music, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

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