The Whistler Music Festival is a four day event which turns beautiful Whistler Village into the festival campus. The main centre’s of activity are the Whistler Conference Centre, The Hilton Conference Facilities and the Millennium Place Performance Hall. Participants arrive Thursday afternoon and check in at the Whistler Conference Centre. Early Thursday evening, there is a reception for participating directors and festival adjudicators. The reception is a great opportunity to enjoy some time with friends and colleagues.

Friday morning and afternoon is adjudication day for Concert Band and Concert Choirs. Each ensemble receives a 30 minute* adjudicated performance followed by a one hour* workshop . Friday evening Orchestras, Jazz Bands, and Vocal Jazz Ensembles present a 30 minute* adjudicated performance followed by a one hour* workshop for Orchestra and 30 minute* workshops for Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz.

Saturday, Jazz Band adjudication continues, and Concert Band, Orchestra and Choral participants attend additional workshops designed to build on the strengths of each ensemble. Directors are also an important part of this day and the Whistler Festival offers an opportunity for our participating directors to attend professional development workshops presented by a number of our faculty.

Saturday night the tables turn as our participants become the audience for the Gala Concert. Each year Con Brio Festivals brings together outstanding professional musicians to perform and provide music that will engage and inspire our young musicians. The Marcus Mosely Chorale, The University of Troy Alabama Wind Symphony, Musica Intima, The UBC Wind Ensemble, The Kwantlen College Wind Ensemble, The Capilano University “A” Band, The Eagle Song Drummers and Dancers of the Squamish Nation, The Sojourners, The Universal Gospel Choir, and numerous instrumental soloists and vocal performers have shared this stage over the last thirteen years. There are two performances and like all festival events, there is guaranteed seating for all. This year we are proud to present: The Brandon University Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Wendy McCallum with guest artists Marcus Mosely, Malcolm Aiken and more. 

All participants join together on Sunday to create three separate roof-raising and foundation-shaking ensembles: The Festival Massed Chorus, Festival Massed Strings and Festival Massed Band. 

Every aspect of the Whistler Music Festival is based on active learning through participation. Students and teachers alike leave the Festival enriched with new skills and ideas. We look forward to welcoming you at the next Whistler Music Festival. If you would like more detailed information, please read our Information for Music Directors or, contact us with any questions.

*please note times include entrance, exit and any additional setup

For complete registration information, or to obtain a quote for your group on the 14th Annual Whistler Music Festival or 9th Annual Sun Peaks Music Festival, please contact our travel associates at  Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd.

Vancouver Office: 604-983-2470 or 866-983-2470

Contact: Erika Korstrom erikak@ettravel.com

Exeter Office: 519-235-2000 or 800-265-7022

Contact: Lynda Bogart lyndab@ettravel.com