Unison Festival Vancouver 2026: Music Healing Spirit

Bringing Canada’s queer choirs together in song and celebration

As planning continues, your festival team is focused on details large and small – from scheduling and accessibility to travel, volunteer coordination, and community connections. This month’s newsletter introduces new members of the organizing team, shares updates, and highlights ways you can help spread the word.

In this issue:

• Book Your Stay in Vancouver

• Meet the New Festival Coordinators

• Chat with Yogi Omar, Choral Events Coordinator

• Volunteer with Us!

• Local Love: Quiet Corners in the City

• Unison Voices: Calgary Men’s Chorus

• Seeking Festival Sponsors

• VMC Supports Unison Festival with $20,000 Donation

• Cheers!

Book Your Stay in Vancouver

Delegate hotel booking links and promo codes are now live for Unison Festival 2026, offering preferred rates at Vancouver accommodations including several hotels close to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Options range from downtown properties to university residences, with choices to suit a range of budgets and group sizes.

Visit our new Delegate Accommodations page to explore participating locations, compare prices, and find direct booking details.

Delegates are also free to make their own lodging arrangements anywhere in the city – these listings are simply suggestions with negotiated rates arranged for your convenience. Wherever you stay, booking early will help ensure the best selection and rates.

➤ View Delegate Accommodations

Meet the New Festival Coordinators

Behind the scenes in Vancouver, a dedicated team is hard at work making sure everything comes together efficiently and effectively. We’re excited to welcome three new coordinators who’ll help bring the festival to life next May:

• Yogi Omar, Choral Events Coordinator: events@unisonchoruses.ca

  Supports rehearsal scheduling, concert planning, and on-site logistics for all festival performances.

• Joseph Hoang, Volunteers Coordinator: volunteers@unisonchoruses.ca

  Recruits, trains, and supports the volunteers who keep everything running smoothly throughout the weekend.

• Stanley Cochrane, Accessibility Coordinator: accessibility@unisonchoruses.ca

  Works with the festival team and community partners to make our concerts and events welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
  

Together, they’re helping create a festival experience that’s organized, accessible, and full of harmony – on and off the stage.

Chat with Yogi Omar, Choral Events Coordinator

This month we spoke with Yogi Omar, the newly appointed Choral Events Coordinator for Unison Festival 2026. Yogi brings deep experience, passion, and perspective to his new role. Here’s what he shared with us in a conversation during a recent choir rehearsal break.

James Curtis, Communications Coordinator: Let’s jump right in. You’ve been part of the Vancouver Men’s Chorus for about 18 years now, but your involvement with queer choirs goes back even further. Tell us a bit about your “choral journey”.

Yogi Omar, Choral Events Coordinator: I started singing with gay choruses back in 2002 with the Rainy City Gay Men’s Chorus. After two years I joined GLASS Youth Choir, and when I aged out I joined VMC and have been here ever since. This will be my sixth Unison Festival – the last time Unison was in Vancouver, 20 years ago, I actually sang with all three of those choirs I mentioned, in the same festival!

James: Wow. Looking back on all that, what was the most impactful experience for you?

Yogi: Honestly, it was my first big festival, GALA in Montreal in 2004. The feeling of belonging and inclusion was overwhelming. I felt like I didn’t need to put on an act, I could just be myself. And the power of music really came through. It was healing, and it helped me let go of some of that shame and guilt that many of us can feel.

James: Fast forward to today. You joined the Unison 2026 team in September as Choral Events Coordinator. So, what does your role involve right now?

Yogi: Kim and Willi, our Festival Artistic Directors, have already set the order of performances. My job is to fit everything into the schedule, from rehearsal slots to technical needs, and to act as producer for each concert block. I’m also working closely with First Nations partners on the Opening Ceremony and the Closing Concert, to make sure those moments are truly meaningful and respectful.

James: When you look ahead to the festival, what excites you most?

Yogi: Hearing the choirs perform, especially groups new to Unison like Aurora Chorealis from Yellowknife and the Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster. The Rainbow Chorus will actually open the festival, which is a prime spot and really special. For me, the theme “Music Healing Spirit” is exactly right. The world is tough right now, and music can heal and uplift our spirits. That’s what Unison is all about.

James: What do you hope delegates take away from Vancouver?

Yogi: I hope people see Vancouver as a welcoming, well-organized host city that proudly showcases Canada’s queer choral movement. I want them to feel cared for here, and to experience Vancouver as a friendly, open place with a great energy – and great natural beauty, of course. I’m excited to see people make new festival connections for the first time… it feels like we’re queering up the city together, not just for Pride, but during the May long weekend as well.

James: Sweet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Yogi.

Yogi: My pleasure. I’m really glad to be a part of this.

Volunteer with Us! 

Want to get involved? Know someone who might?

Volunteers are at the heart of Unison Festival 2026. From greeting guests and assisting choirs to capturing festival moments on camera, volunteers help create the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Unison so special.

If you won’t be a festival delegate yourself – or you know someone who’d love to get involved – there will be plenty of ways to participate. We’ll be recruiting for a variety of roles, including front-line support, concert logistics, communications, and behind-the-scenes setup. Whether you’re outgoing, organized, or simply love being part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you in our volunteer team.

Add your name to our volunteer contact list today, and we’ll be in touch once roles are confirmed.

➤ Read more and get on the list: unisonchoruses.ca/volunteer 

Local Love: Quiet Corners in the City

Sometimes you might just need a breather – a break from rehearsals, concerts, and social events. Vancouver has plenty of calming spots where you can pause, read a book, or simply take in the view. Here are some quieter places to unwind, as recommended by friendly local choir members!

➤ View interactive map

➤ Print the list (View PDF)

Downtown & Stanley Park

• Vancouver Public Library Rooftop – The downtown Central Library has a public rooftop garden with comfy seating, city views, and a surprising sense of calm right in the heart of downtown.

• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – In the heart of Chinatown, this tranquil walled garden offers koi ponds, pavilions, and traditional Ming Dynasty landscaping – a true oasis in the city.

• Harbour Green Park – A stretch of lawn and seawall path along Coal Harbour, with views of the marina and North Shore mountains. A calm spot to sit, picnic, or stroll just steps from the city centre.

• Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park – A hidden pocket at the entrance to Stanley Park, this peaceful lagoon is perfect for a reflective walk or a quiet read on a bench.

• Stanley Park Seawall & Third Beach – As you walk past Second Beach, the seawall becomes quieter and more relaxed, with plenty of spots to pause and take in the view. Third Beach is especially serene at sunset (except on lively drum nights!).

• Sunset Beach – Close to downtown but a little quieter than English Bay, Sunset Beach offers sandy shoreline, grassy areas, and a peaceful place to watch boats and the evening light.

Gardens & Parks

• Habitat Island & Hinge Park – An urban nature pocket in Olympic Village, where restored shoreline, driftwood, and wetlands create a surprising hideaway. Great for a quiet wander, with benches and views back to the downtown skyline.

• Queen Elizabeth Park – Wander the gardens, including the dramatic sunken quarry filled with flowers, trees, and winding paths. Sprawl on the lawns, enjoy panoramic views of the city, or step inside the domed Bloedel Conservatory for a lush indoor rainforest escape.

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – A 55-acre garden just a short transit ride from downtown, VanDusen has winding paths, hidden benches, and ponds perfect for reflection.

• Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) – An East Vancouver lake surrounded by lawns, trees, and mountain views. It’s a favourite spot for locals to picnic, stroll, or simply sit by the water and unwind away from the downtown bustle.

• Nitobe Memorial Garden (UBC) – This authentic Japanese tea and stroll garden (kaiyū-shiki teien, 回遊式庭園) is considered one of the most beautiful outside Japan. With winding paths, koi ponds, and traditional landscaping, it offers a serene place for contemplation and a glimpse into classical garden design.

  
  

Worth a Short Trip

• Deep Cove, North Vancouver – A picturesque waterfront village about 25 minutes from downtown. Stroll the marina, grab a coffee, or sit by the shore with views of the mountains... and kayakers. If you’re feeling energetic, the Quarry Rock trail offers a short forest hike with a stunning lookout.

• Cypress Lookout, West Vancouver – A scenic drive up Cypress Mountain rewards you with sweeping views of Vancouver, day or night – a perfect spot to clear your head and take in the panorama.

Unison Voices: Calgary Men’s Chorus

This month, we shine a spotlight on the Calgary Men’s Chorus (CMC) – proud hosts of the 2018 Unison Festival. Founded in 1994, CMC has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s LGBTQ2S+ and arts scenes for more than 30 years. Singing everything from Mozart to Queen, the non-auditioned, Inclusive TTBB ensemble welcomes members of all backgrounds and skill levels, creating connection through music, friendship, and fun.

The CMC has collaborated with major ensembles including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, travelled widely for national and international festivals, and championed local causes. The chorus continues to balance artistic excellence with inclusivity and a strong commitment to community.

CMC President Matthew Gillespie (who’s also President of Unison Choruses Canada) recalls:

➤ Learn more about the Calgary Men’s Chorus

Seeking Festival Sponsors

We’re looking for sponsors to help make this national celebration shine even brighter.

Do you know a company, foundation, or individual who might like to get involved? Please help spread the word – there’s a handy PDF overview sheet you can share at the link below. Sponsorships will help fund everything from concert production and accessibility supports to guest artists and community outreach.

In return, sponsors gain visibility, community goodwill, and the chance to be part of a movement that amplifies 2SLGBTQIA+ voices from across Canada. Opportunities range from small local partnerships to larger corporate support, with benefits like logo placement, recognition, and VIP perks.

If you’re interested in learning more, please check out our newly posted information. We’ll be grateful for your help in identifying additional potential supporters!

➤ Read up on Unison 2026 Sponsorships

VMC Supports Unison Festival with $20,000 Donation

Unison Choruses Canada has received a generous $20,000 contribution from the Vancouver Men’s Chorus (VMC), a steadfast supporter of the national choral community that Unison brings together.

VMC President Humphrey Tam says the funding will give the festival team flexibility where it’s most needed. “We wanted to help ensure the organizers have the resources they need now – at the stage when the real work begins,” he says.

While not every choir can give at this level, Tam encourages others to contribute or show their support in other ways. “It’s not just about money – raising awareness also matters,” he notes. “The more people who know about Unison, the stronger our community becomes.”

Cheers!

Thanks for catching up with this month’s Festival Update. Plans for Unison 2026 are progressing well, and every month brings something new to share. From program details to local highlights and ways to get involved, we’ll keep you connected!

Register Today: A friendly reminder that Early Bird registration for delegates is open! Registering early means you’ll lock in your discounted rate, and can complete your delegate profile and questionnaire right away. Don’t wait too long; the Early Bird rate is available until January 15. ➤ Delegate info & registration

Tell Us What You’d Like to Hear: Is there something you’d like to know more about? A question about the festival or about Vancouver? We’d love to hear from you – drop us a note at: communications@unisonchoruses.ca

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