WHAT IS PODIUM?
PODIUM 2026: Sing Strong. Stand Together. Shape Tomorrow.
Podium, Canada’s national bilingual Conference and Festival, is the premier gathering place for choral and group singing arts sector and community. Presented by Choral Canada and the British Columbia Choral Federation, this multi-day celebration from May 14-17, 2026 will take place at the University of Victoria, which is located on the unceded territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) peoples and is the traditional gathering place of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We will bring together hundreds of delegates and thousands of singers and audience members from across the country and beyond who are passionate about group singing.
Held every two years since 1982, each Podium is uniquely shaped by the voices of those who come together to plan, perform, and share their expertise, in collaboration with the host province and city where delegates and audiences gather.
Inspired by a vision of innovation and inclusivity, PODIUM 2026 aims to ignite meaningful dialogue within the global choral community. Through offerings both on-site and online, we will showcase new music, bold ideas, and exciting opportunities for collective singing, through participatory workshops, massed singing events, and a powerful afternoon opening ceremony and concert that will joyfully kick off the conference and festival.
Key themes will look at the role of the choral arts in important topics such as social justice, climate change action, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion. Networking will be intentionally woven into the schedule, with dedicated time and welcoming spaces for real, authentic conversations among delegates, whether they are first-time attendees or long-time colleagues. We are also thrilled to introduce a new National Commission Consortium, giving choirs and singing groups across Canada an accessible way to co-commission a new work by a leading Canadian composer.
PODIUM 2026 will be a place of bridges, linking voices, communities, and generations. It is a space to rediscover and reimagine, within a creative and welcoming environment, where all participants, anglophone and francophone alike, can fully engage. We are committed to making this national gathering accessible, inclusive, and resonant for all who wish to participate.