Sixty singers from Burlington-based Myriad Ensemble will travel to Helsingborg, Sweden, to represent Burlington and Canada at the 2026 World Choir Games,

By Gazette Staff

July 13^th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

This summer, sixty singers from Burlington-based Myriad Ensemble will travel to Helsingborg, Sweden, this summer to represent Burlington and Canada at the 2026 World Choir Games, the world’s largest international choral competition.

Bringing together hundreds of choirs and thousands of singers from around the globe, the World Choir Games celebrates artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the unifying power of music. Myriad Ensemble has been invited to compete in the prestigious Champions Competition, performing alongside some of the world’s finest choirs.

You can hear the choir when they present a special send-off concert, Trevlig Resa (Bon Voyage!), on Thursday July 30 7:00pm, Port Nelson United Church.

Elise Naccarato, Founder and Artistic & Executive Director of Myriad Ensemble.

“I don’t know that I will ever have the words to fully express how proud I am of this ensemble,” says Elise Naccarato, Founder and Artistic & Executive Director of Myriad Ensemble. “Representing Burlington and Canada on the international stage is an extraordinary honour, but what means the most to me is knowing that we have earned our place there. Myriad has always believed that artistic excellence and an extraordinary sense of community can, and should, exist side by side. These singers continue to raise the bar, take risks, and pour themselves into the music we create together. I cannot wait for the world to hear what Myriad can do.”

Founded in Burlington, Myriad Ensemble has become recognized for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, and commitment to fostering an inclusive singing community. The choir regularly performs works by Canadian composers and is known for championing diverse voices and contemporary choral repertoire.

For the World Choir Games, the ensemble will present a distinctly Canadian program featuring music by celebrated Canadian composers alongside repertoire that showcases the ensemble’s versatility and artistry.

The journey to Sweden has been made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who have rallied behind the ensemble throughout its fundraising campaign. The choir continues to work toward its goal of raising $30,000 to offset travel and participation costs, ensuring the opportunity remains accessible for all singers.

On Thursday July 30 (7:00pm, Port Nelson United Church), Myriad will present a special send-off concert, Trevlig Resa (Bon Voyage!), featuring the repertoire the choir will perform in two competition categories and will participate in the Friendship Concert series.

Myriad Ensemble.

The concert offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience the programs before they are presented on the international stage while supporting the ensemble’s journey.

“Competing at the 2026 World Choir Games, just six years after our organization’s incorporation, is a significant milestone. Doing so is indicative of the dedication and vision of Myriad Ensemble’s leadership team, and the support of our community, donors, and sponsors,” says Jen Wells, Chair of the Board of Myriad Ensemble. “It is a true gift to make and experience music with other people. We very much look forward to having an opportunity to do so within our group and with other choirs on the world stage. It will undoubtedly be a trip of a lifetime individually and organizationally.”

The Choir will also perform at the Performing Arts Centre on December 5th

Community members can follow Myriad Ensemble’s journey to Sweden through regular updates, including behind-the-scenes content and performance highlights, on the ensemble’s social media accounts throughout the World Choir Games.

To donate in support of Myriad’s journey to the World Choir Games, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/myriad-ensemble/p2p/myriad-sings-2026/#

You can hear what the Ensemble sounds like HERE