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Ottawa’s summer cultural calendar will once again come alive with the 16th season of the Music and Beyond festival, which runs from July 4–17. Now firmly established as one of North America’s most distinctive classical music and multidisciplinary arts festivals, Music and Beyond continues to redefine what a classical music festival can be by linking music with a wide range of other art forms and cultural disciplines.
Presented in venues throughout the Ottawa area, the 2026 edition offers a wide-ranging and ambitious program. As always, audiences can expect internationally celebrated artists, innovative thematic programming, and performances that move fluidly between genres and artistic disciplines.
Among this year’s highlights is a rare appearance by the acclaimed British vocal ensemble The King’s Singers, whose blend of vocal precision, warmth, and charisma has made them one of the world’s most beloved vocal groups. Pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to Ottawa with a recital of Ravel and Gershwin, showcasing the virtuosity and interpretive insight that have earned him international acclaim. Violinist Kerson Leong will offer a brilliant program showcasing works with piano and works with orchestra.
The festival’s commitment to stylistic diversity is equally evident in performances such as Kim Richardson sings Duke Ellington, featuring the remarkable Canadian vocalist alongside the Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal. Early-music lovers will be drawn to productions such as Vivaldi’s Mistress and A Divine Comedy, while audiences seeking contemporary and cross-cultural experiences can explore programs ranging from tango to Indigenous-inspired collaborations. British percussionist Lucy Landymore, already renowned for her work with Hans Zimmer, will join the festival for a three-concert residency, including a concert with chamber orchestra, a vibraphone master class and a solo recital. The Wuxi Chinese Orchestra will make a rare North American performance.
Music and Beyond will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Ottawa in 1826 with a five-concert series, which includes two concerts of music composed in 1826 and two concerts celebrating 200 years of music composed in Ottawa.
Since its founding in 2010, Music and Beyond has developed a reputation for building unexpected artistic connections and welcoming audiences who may not normally attend classical music events. The festival’s mandate emphasizes accessibility, discovery, and artistic exploration, particularly for younger audiences and newcomers to the arts.
Equally important is the festival’s atmosphere. Music and Beyond offers audiences the chance to experience world-class artists in intimate and architecturally-beautiful settings across Canada’s capital.
Complete festival details and tickets are available at www.musicandbeyond.ca.
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