(2018 Ellison Canadian Honour Choir)
ECHC is sponsored by/commanditée par:
MusicFest Canada, “The Nationals” invites you to audition for the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir, an honour group for vocalists 14 to 29.
The 2026 ECHC will sing together in the presentation of choral masterworks, under the direction of Scott Leithead and Kitbielle Pasagui! Scott is the founder and Artistic Director of Edmonton’s Korora Choir Association and TIME Jazz Association. Kitbielle is the Associate Conductor of Korora and most recently was the assistant conductor or the National Youth Choir of Canada. The ensemble will rehearse from Sunday, May 10th at 4:00pm to Thursday, May 14th in Niagara Falls, culminating with a feature concert at Redeemer Bible Church in the evening on May 14th.
Participation in the ECHC includes eligibility for some of more than $50,000 of industry-sponsored scholarships.
The deadline for applications is February 20, 2026. The fee for successful applicants is $90. If you have any questions about the ECHC, please email John Chalmers (john.chalmers@musicfest.ca).
Accommodations for out-of-town honour ensemble members have been arranged in Niagara Falls at Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls. Honour ensemble members are encouraged to stay at the university, but ARE NOT required to do so.
MusicFest is subsidizing the cost to have participants reside close to the rehearsal locations. Because of this subsidy, they are limited to members of the honour groups and can only be booked through the MusicFest Canada office. These arrangements are limited to five (5) nights only. For those wishing to stay at the Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls, the cost is $570.00 for the week; breakfast is included. If you have a preference for the person sharing the room, that can be indicated on your online registration if you are accepted into the ensemble.
Check In: Sunday, May 10, 2026 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Check Out: Friday, May 15, 2026 11:00am
Transportation to and from Niagara Falls is the responsibility of each individual musician. Any honour ensemble member travelling by air to Toronto will need to arrange flights that arrive in Toronto by 1:45 pm. You will be met promptly by MusicFest staff either wearing a MusicFest T-shirt and/or carrying a MusicFest sign. We will provide ground transportation to Niagara Falls (and back).
