They came, they sang, they conquered! The 15th SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival wrapped on June 6 after more than two weeks of concerts and workshops. This year’s theme was Singing Together and there were many opportunities for groups to collaborate and the public to join in.
Deke Sharon, considered the “father of contemporary a cappella”, led a singalong of songs from the popular Pitch Perfect movies, where he was Music Director. There were behind-the-scenes stories from the movie sets, and everyone got a chance to try the famous “cup song” using cups autographed by Deke.
Tackling tunes from the 80’s, Retrocity belted out old favourites, then invited audience members to a live karaoke, where the a cappella band provided the accompaniment.
Hundreds of beatboxers gathered at Toronto’s Rec Room for a full weekend “all from the mouth” sounds and rhythms. It was an international showdown featuring a Top 16 solo performers and Top 4 loopstation competitors from across the globe. The winner of the solo competition qualified for the Grand Beatbox Battle 2026 in Poland later this year, which reaches 10 million fans globally.
The keystone program was the SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, the only event of its kind in Canada, where 16 groups competed for cash prizes, recording sessions and bragging rights. The four divisions - barbershop, high school, collegiate, and open - were judged by “vocal music royalty” Deke Sharon, Elaine Overholt, and Mo Field. Competitors came from as far away as Texas, California, BC, Alberta, Quebec and across Ontario to take part not only in the event but to enjoy the camaraderie shared by a cappella singers.
The annual Music Business Summit attracted nearly 1000 musicians, from students to rising stars to seasoned professionals. They learned from industry experts, including John Harris of Harris Institute, leading entertainment lawyer Paul Sanderson, music magazine publisher Jim Norris, music accountant D. Jae Gold, producer Sandy Graham, and more.
SING! showed its pride with the launch concert for Pride Toronto on June 1, hosted by Stratford and Broadway star Thom Allison. Toronto’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ Singing Out community choir opened with a dramatic presentation. Swedish superstar quintet The Real Group wowed the audience with songs from their 40-year international recording career. Their finale premiered a stunning new song, Fading Away, joining forces with the Cal Jazz Choir, one of the Championship groups from University of California. Jazz vocal icon Heather Bambrick received the SING! Legacy Award for her decades of great performances, her advocacy for the arts, and her inspiring generations of singers.
Other events included free concerts at Nathan Phillips Square and College Park, a special appearance by the I Love to SING! students at Centre 55 Spring Fling, industry roundtables with music business mentors, Aaron Jensen’s songwriting workshop, school workshops, and Art Battle live competitive painting accompanied by Canadian Beatbox Champion Scott Jackson.
The festival was capped off with a breathtaking and emotional performance by festival co-founding contemporary 12-voice a cappella ensemble Countermeasure. After 5 albums, tours to the UK, Italy, Japan, the U.S. and across Canada, they concluded their 16-year career on June 6 “Takin’ It Home”, the title of one of their hit songs.
SING! is now planning for late spring 2027. Artists are invited to apply at: www.singtoronto.com