2026 Unison Awards Honourees Announced

Unison Choruses Canada is pleased to announce the three honourees of the 2026 Unison Awards. These awards will be presented at the closing banquet of the 2026 Vancouver Unison Festival, taking place at the Westin Bayshore on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

The Unison Awards were established by the Board of Directors to recognize and extend gratitude to Unison members and affiliate organizations who have gone above and beyond to build, serve, maintain, and promote 2SLGBTQ+ choruses and the Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ choral community. The awards celebrate individuals whose contributions strengthen this legacy for years to come.

Honourees are recognized in three categories: Legacy, Innovation, and Service.

Legacy Award – Sally Papso (Rainbow Harmony Project)

The Legacy Award honours a noted leader, builder, or donor to Unison or a member chorus—someone recognized by peers as a person of strong character and generous spirit whose passion and vision have shaped the choral movement locally or nationally.

This year’s Legacy Award honouree is Sally Papso, described as the heart and living memory of Rainbow Harmony Project. A 27‑year chorister, Sally’s activism, wisdom, and generosity have shaped the choir’s culture of welcome, resilience, and queer community pride. Through mentorship, historical storytelling, and unwavering commitment to participation and service, she continues to inspire singers of all ages and embody the spirit of connection that defines RHP.

Innovation Award – Brittany Mielnichuk (Rainbow Harmony Project)

The Innovation Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant artistic impact on Unison or a member chorus through creative, imaginative, and innovative endeavours.

This year’s honouree is Brittany Mielnichuk, a visionary arts leader whose creation of the Rainbow Harmony Project Youth Choir has transformed access, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Through her dual Artistic and Executive Director roles, Brittany has built a nationally significant choral program rooted in empowerment and community. Her inclusive programming nurtures intergenerational connection and strengthens the future of queer choral music in Canada.

Service Award – Luce Bélanger (Ensemble vocal Extravaganza)

The Service Award is presented to an individual or organization that has provided exemplary service to Unison or a member chorus—often as long‑term volunteers, Board Members, or staff—helping move these groups forward in meaningful ways.

The 2026 Service Award honouree is Luce Bélanger, an innovative choral leader and multidisciplinary artist whose original SATB anthem Proud has become a powerful, accessible celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ identity, belonging, and community. Her bold artistic vision, genre‑blending musical language, and transformative leadership—most notably guiding Extravaganza through a moment of crisis into creative triumph—have made her a catalyst for inclusion and renewal in the Canadian choral landscape.

Sincere thanks to the 2026 Unison Awards Jury, made up of Unison Board Members and previous Unison Awards honourees, including: Karl Johnson (Winnipeg), Aaron Hutton (Winnipeg), Tim Cross (Halifax), Kirk Kryvenchuk (Edmonton), Jackie Falconer (Toronto), Nathalie Saint‑Pierre (Montreal), and Sophie Dumont (Montreal).