2023 SUMMER MUSIC GUIDE

Read Profile

Organ Festival Canada ’23 promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. For the first time, the RCCO has joined forces with the Organ Historical Society (OHS) to produce a festival of unequalled excellence, bringing together the resources of two major organisations, with an OHS focus on the instrument and the RCCO celebrating the music and performers. This will take place in Toronto hosted by the RCCO – Toronto Centre and the OHS.

A Festival of Pipes: Building Bridges - Forging Friendships encompasses all the best feelings and experiences of festivals past. You know what we mean: the late-night banter, the meeting of old friends, getting to know new colleagues, the festive feeling of a shared recital experience, and the joy of learning something new about an instrument, a performer, or a composition.

Read Profile

The Beaches International Jazz Festival, now in its 35th year, is a month-long music festival held each year in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto in July. It’s now one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals with nearly 1,000,000 attendees, throughout its month-long span.

The Festival takes place across a number of venues; stage concerts are held in several different parks within the area and also along a two kilometre stretch of the Beach mainstreet during StreetFest - Queen Street East.

Read Profile

Just an hour north of Toronto, Brookside Music’s 2023 ‘Festival of the Bay‘ in Midland will keep the music in summer.

Join us at the Midland Cultural Centre at 7pm for: The Fretless on Fri, July 7; Collectif9 on Fri, July 14; Lafayette String Quartet & James Campbell on Tues, July 25; Festival of the Sound Ensemble on Fri, July 28; Eight Cellos on Wed, August 2. The concerts are offered for an unbelievable $30 plus HST/SC and children and students may attend for free!

Join us for the sweet sounds of summer!

Read Profile

Join us at the Premier One World Waterfront Music Festival – The Sultans of String launch the official opening of the festival on Fri, August 11 – at the Midland Cultural Centre, and then on Sat, August 12 – it’s the premier outdoor festival at the Midland waterfront – a collection of musicians and musical styles from around the world includes a beer garden and international food vendors!

Read Profile

The 36-year-old Brott Music Festival was founded in 1987 by Boris Brott and is one of our anchor arts organizations in Hamilton, ON and is the largest orchestral music festival in Canada.

Brott Music presents classical, opera, jazz, Broadway, chamber, rock, pops, and education concerts of the highest calibre in the Golden Horseshoe. It is a fully incorporated, not for profit charitable organization with a dedicated Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer contingent.

Brott Music’s mission is to ensure that its music-making will enthrall every age, gender, and ethnicity; to impart a love of music from all our musicians to all of our audiences, to imbue those listeners with the desire and motivation to be better and more productive members of their communities and to enrich our community’s cultural tapestry.

Read Profile

Since 2010, the CCCTIMF has established a solid name as one of the most reputable and high-profile music festivals in Canada. The festival is held in recognition of the artistic achievements of young musicians, providing them with the opportunity to learn, grow and showcase their potential in performance. It also provides performance opportunities for young musicians to help bring the scope of their talents to new heights. The annual festival is conducted at the 626-seat, state-of-the-art P.C. Ho Theatre concert hall in Toronto. Trophies, medals, and scholarships are awarded to the winners based on the class criteria. Selected winners will receive the opportunity to perform in the Gala Concert and the "Rising Star'' concert series. Please visit our website!

Read Profile

The Collingwood Music Festival brings exceptional performances to Collingwood each summer, featuring award-winning artists in the fields of classical, world, jazz and Indigenous genres. Running from July 8 to 15, 2023, you'll hear the brilliant, symphonic power of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada with special guest Jeremy Dutcher, followed by a program of popular spirituals with the Toronto Mass Choir and plenty more of your favourite artists, such as the Gryphon Trio, collectif9, New Tradition Music, Dévah Quartet - and soloists such as James Campbell, Adi Braun and Daniel Vnukowski.

This year, we are also hosting free events for youth in nearby Duntroon Highlands Golf Club, with an enchanted, musical pathway coupled with the serenity of nature - all outdoors with charming views of the bay.

Read Profile

Now in its 44th season, the Elora Festival has established a reputation as Canada’s international choral festival, presenting world-class choirs and vocal ensembles over two weeks in July in the artists village of Elora, “Ontario’s most beautiful village”.

The festival's ensemble-in-residence is The Elora Singers, one of Canada's finest professional chamber choirs, who perform throughout the two weeks of the festival, in solo concerts and in collaboration with guest artists. The Elora Festival and The Elora Singers are led by Artistic Director Mark Vuorinen.

This year's festival also features performances by Art of Time, Cantus, Constantinople, Confluence Concerts, Canadian Chamber Choir, the New Zealand String Quartet, and a special family performance of Peter and the Wolf.

Read Profile

Festival of the Sound 2023: This is Our Sound!

Canada's longest running classical chamber music festival has been bringing the best of the classical music world to the shores of Georgian Bay since 1979. Over a month of concerts featuring symphonic classical, opera, chamber, jazz, gospel, folk, and more will satisfy every musical palate.

This year, don't miss the July 19 opening night spectacular of Janina Fialkowska, Marc-Andre Hamelin, and Angela Hewitt, onstage together with the Festival Ensemble.

The WoodShred CelloFest, curated by Paul Merleyn, ChamberKids Series, and multiple anniversaries being celebrated all add up to a great reason to come to Northern Ontario to take in music as profound and moving as the beautiful landscape we call home.

THIS is Our Sound!

Read Profile

Batuki Music Society is a non-profit organisation that presents and promotes African music, art and culture through events in Toronto throughout the year and culminating into a weekend festival, Habari Africa.

"Nurturing and strengthening cultural diversity through music and the arts"

Habari Africa festival is a multi-disciplinary music and arts festival that displays the rich and diverse cultures of Africa. Join us for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art and sounds of the continent. The festival will offer an authentic experience through presentations that celebrate the uniqueness, wealth and diversity of African music, dance, film and arts. The festival is presented free and there are activities for all ages.

Read Profile

Set in the Village of Haliburton in the beautiful surroundings of the Haliburton Highlands, Highlands Opera Studio provides advanced operatic training to a select group of talented emerging professionals with the main objective of providing singers with the necessary skills to embark on a career in opera. Established opera professionals (international artist agents, vocal coaches, general directors of professional opera companies, etc.) are invited to interact with and advise program participants during the intensive session, resulting in new connections, often leading to employment and/or artist representation (national and international). Activities also include 16-18 live public events/performances: multiple performances of 2-3 fully staged operas, 3 public masterclasses, 4-5 concerts, and free community events.

Read Profile

Aptly named for its cross-section of style and genre, Intersection is an annual multi-day festival that celebrates musical experimentation, while interacting with people in their own environment, on common ground. Our flagship event is an all-day music marathon at Yonge-Dundas Square (September 2) that takes new music out of the concert hall and directly to the streets of Toronto.

Our accessible, barrier-free events engage folks who may otherwise never experience contemporary music while cross-pollinating the numerous disparate experimental music communities in Toronto. Intersection's impact reaches inquiring and aspiring young minds, underserved arts communities, the average passerby, and arts consumers. We aim to bring these artists and their audiences together to build a stronger community.

Read Profile

The Leith Summer Festival and Artistic Director Robert Korgaard present five concerts in the summer in the historic Leith Church, 12 km from Owen Sound. The church is an intimate venue with excellent acoustics. The festival begins on Saturday, June 24 with "From Bach to Benny Goodman" performed by Michael Bridge, accordion, and Kornel Wolak, clarinet. Saturday, July 8, the Penderecki String Quartet presents music by Mozart, Schulhoff and Brahms. The Gryphon Trio appears on Sunday, July 23 and celebrates their 30th Anniversary with some favourites and Schubert.

On Saturday, August 12, The Payadora Tango Ensemble brings Argentine Tango and Folk Music to the stage, and La Fiammata Piano Duo closes the season on Sunday, August 27. Afternoon concerts start at 2:30pm; evening concerts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 at www.roxytheatre.ca.

Read Profile

York Region's largest outdoor music festival with five stages of multicultural entertainment (music and dance), Craft and Food vendors, Farmers' Market. Headliners include Maestro Fresh Wes, Haviah Mighty (both Juno Award winners), Wild T & the Spirit, Fantasy Steel Band, Junestone, Blackboard Blues Band, Beatbox Showcase and more. New this year - Barkham will be at the north end of the street for dogs and their pet parents with vendors and contests. The Kidz Zone at the bottom of the street will have games, performances, crafts. This is a family event for all ages.

Read Profile

Music Mondays has served as a launching pad for emerging talent, and celebration of established local talent since its inception in 1992. Our pay-what-you-can lunchtime concerts take place in the warm acoustics of Holy Trinity Church, just steps away from the Eaton Centre, in busy downtown Toronto.

Our goal is to provide the highest possible musical experience to a pay-what-you-can downtown Toronto audience. Our audience includes office workers, tourists, retired folks, young children, the homeless, students and the musically curious. The acoustics of Holy Trinity are very special - warm and inviting. Live concerts are back! Please join us for this, our 32nd season. Bring your lunch - and a friend - every Monday at 12:15pm from June 5th to Labour Day, September 4th!

Read Profile

Music Niagara Festival is a not-for-profit charitable organisation presenting world-class, diverse music experiences in unique and intimate settings that connect the community and beyond, educate and inspire audiences and artists, and enhance Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich heritage and culture. We believe that by working in collaboration with community members we can enrich the cultural life of the community and its visitors.

Now entering our 25th year, we are proud to have brought so many years of wonderful music to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and to have earned the support of many in our community. Music Niagara’s world-class programming includes a summer festival, a Performance Academy for young musicians, and a number of off-season concerts and events held throughout the Niagara region.

Read Profile

No Strings Theatre launches its ‘SummerStage' 2023! Under this umbrella, NST will present in Toronto in July, a fully staged production of The Storyteller, and in August, at the farm, George Bizet’s Carmen, in collaboration with Opera By Request at an outdoor farm near Orangeville.

The Storyteller, based on 'seasonal affective disorder', explores themes of growing up, community, and friendship. Director, Olivia Daniels, and our genderfluid cast, expand the imagination through devised theatrical storytelling. Director, Gregory Finney, transposes Carmen to a 1930’s Flapper/Mod/Gangster era. Both productions are suitable for all ages. Oh yes, please join us and OBR for our dinner theatre on August 15 at the Granite Pub in Toronto.

Read Profile

Chamberfest 2023 features a star-studded lineup and a delightful array of introductions. Angela Hewitt and Wallis Giunta return for triumphant hometown shows; James Ehnes and NACO, Hinrich Alpers, Lafayette String Quartet, and Mark Fewer all feature. Soirée Baroque stars Chloe Kim, Mélisande McNabney, Cameron Crozman and Michel Angers. Gryphon Trio will celebrate their 30th! Sarah Slean collaborates with Ironwood Quartet! Debuts from 2022 the Isidore String Quartet, Viano String Quartet, and low-voice ensemble Cantus. Chamberfringe acts will dazzle, including Socalled, Patricia O'Callaghan, Amir Amiri Ensemble, Aline Homzy, collectif9, and The Westerlies. There's more to come on our website!

Ottawa Chamberfest, under the motto "Changing lives through music", presents and celebrates chamber music year-round.

Read Profile

The Rhythms of Canada festival is back this summer with even more lively performances by local and international artists, delicious food, and exciting activities for the whole family!

Read Profile

10th Anniversary of South Coast Jazz in Brantford and Port Dover!

Two locations, including Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, an 1,100-seat theatre in Brantford for our main event concerts. Buy tickets for Saturday, August 12 here. Multiple venues, a diverse line-up, and accessible for everyone with affordable prices!

"10 Years, 10 Decades of Music" - take a musical journey from the 1930's with Canada’s sweetheart of swing Alex Pangman, through from the 50's to 70's with Le Trio Parisien, featuring Juliet Dunn into the 80's with 12x platinum-selling artist Mark Holmes of Platinum Blonde, into today with Mark Kelso Jazz Exiles and international award-winning songwriter Charu Suri.

Read Profile

Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues takes over Wasaga Beach the third weekend in September every year. It began in 2011 with a tent and has grown to what it is today, with two stages, a Vendor's Village and Liquid Lounge, providing continuous music over three days. While the festival is primarily a Blues festival, it prides itself on the diversity of the bands that grace the stages. Featuring the music of Luke & the Apostles; Shuffle Demons; KC Roberts & the Live Revolution; Dylan Wickens Band; The Tonewheels; Boomerang; Jim Dan Dee; David Gogo; Loco Zydeco; Angelique Francis; Durham County Poets; James Anthony Band, featuring Danny B; ZED HEAD featuring Neil Chapman; Rosie's Smokehouse Deluxe; Lazo; Soulstack with Roly Platt; Ben Racine Band and Jordan John. There will be something for every taste.

Read Profile

Stratford Summer Music, an annual multi-week music festival that presents multiple events featuring 100+ artists, is set in indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Stratford, Ontario. With an artistic vision to produce, to the highest standards possible, an annual program of diverse and exciting musical performances by local, provincial, national and international artists and to provide the widest possible range of musical genres on our stages, Stratford Summer Music exposes audiences to a standard of musical excellence difficult to find outside large urban centres.

Read Profile

Summer Opera Lyric Theatre, fondly known as SOLT, will be the focal point for opera lovers seeking stimulating and enjoyable operas featuring the stars of tomorrow. The program for SOLT is built around creating a vivid and honest operatic character while performing the music at the highest standard. Over 30 emerging artists will combine musical coaching, staging rehearsals, and Masterclasses over an eight-week period that will culminate in fully staged performances. Performances in Don Giovanni by Mozart, Dialogues of the Carmelites by Poulenc, and Julius Caesar by Handel - all performances in English - will take place at the charmingly restored Alumnae Theatre. Guided by General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin, the music directors are: Suzy Smith, Jo Greenaway and Helen Becqué.

Read Profile

This year marks 30 years of bringing world-class music to the Waterloo Region by Sun Life UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival. Special program highlights include Canadian guitar virtuoso and JUNO winner Jesse Cook, the Latin-infused music of GRAMMY and JUNO winning Alex Cuba and a swinging group from Cleveland, the 3DJazz Trio. Along with these fantastic performers, we will feature Indigenous actor and jazz singer Cheri Maracle, So Long Seven (a group that blends folk and jazz with influences from India), local soul and R&B group Freshwater Funk, Toronto singer-songwriter Barbra Lica, the music of guitarist Eric Divito direct from NYC and many others. There will be family activities, food vendors and your favourite beverages. Best of all, admission is absolutely free! Please join us - it's worth the trip!

Read Profile

SweetWater 2023 once again will offer up internationally-acclaimed Canadian and global artists performing classical, jazz, and contemporary music on the shores of Georgian Bay. Artistic director Edwin Huizinga has assembled a talented group of musicians to celebrate our 20th anniversary festival including Mark Fewer and more! Along with four featured, four mainstage concerts, four community concerts,and other musical experiences. Our special 20th anniversary Festival Passes are very limited and on sale from May to June, and single tickets go on sale in July.

Read Profile

The TD Markham Jazz Festival features more than 25 free jazz, blues, soul and related acts on three stages, as well as along Main St. and in area restaurants. The 2023 festival takes place Friday to Sunday, August 18 to 20. Experience award-winning music (Grammy and Juno winners) in Unionville's charming heritage village setting. Free, continuous shuttle from Markham Pan Am Centre (16 Main St. Unionvillle, near Unionville GO). Free Parking. Accessible.

This year's headliners include Grammy winners Matt Stevens and vocalist Catherine Russell on Friday evening. Saturday includes Brian Barlow and Laila Biali in a tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell, plus the amazing group Okan. Sunday closes the show with the Nimmons Tribute!

Come and have a ball!

Read Profile

From its home in Downtown London’s beautiful Victoria Park, TD Sunfest ’23 (July 6 to 9) will feature 40+ top global music and jazz acts performing on two mainstages and five satellite stages. 2023 international headliners range from Ukrainian folk-punk phenomenon DakhaBrakha, to Colombia’s all-female salsa jazz sextet Las Guaracheras. These eclectic sounds will be complemented by 200+ equally diverse food, craft and visual art exhibitors lining the footpaths in the Park. Best of all, this jewel of summer remains affordable (free admission) and accessible to everyone.

Whatever your passions, whatever your background – wherever your spirit takes you – TD Sunfest is yours to enjoy: a thrilling, one-of-a-kind celebration of life and community. “More than a festival, it’s a vibe!” (Songlines Magazine, UK).

Read Profile

Westben is where music and nature spring to life! Nestled amongst the hills of Northumberland County, two hours east of Toronto, 40 minutes from Peterborough, Belleville and Cobourg near Campbellford, Westben is a year-round Centre for Connection & Creativity Through Music and Nature. Westben presents a myriad of concerts and outdoor experiences in and around its three venues during its summer and fall festivals. Westben’s 24th five-week Summer Festival opens July 2, featuring over 70 artists in 26 concerts, such as Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Ben Heppner and the Elmer Iseler Singers, Janina Fialkowska, Brian Finley, Dan Hill and many more. Enjoy gourmet picnics on the meadow, Dare to Pair culinary experiences, guided nature walks with live music on a neighbouring Nature Reserve. Join us for music in nature at Westben!