Welcome to the Cape Breton Chorale website!

The Cape Breton Chorale has been thrilling audiences since its formation fifty years ago. The Chorale has given more than 200 performances throughout the Maritimes, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

The Chorale has shared the stage with a variety of musical stars, ranging from Celine Dion to Rita MacNeil and has performed before numerous visiting dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II.

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Audition for the Cape Breton Chorale!

Auditions for the 2026-2027 Season

The Cape Breton Chorale is preparing for another exciting season of music-making!

The Cape Breton Chorale is preparing another exciting season of music-making!
The 2026-2027 season will begin on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and will continue until May of 2027. We are planning concert events for Christmas and for the Spring, with additional performances in October and February. 


We welcome auditions from singers of any experience level who fit any combination of these criteria:

 • Some experience singing vocal harmony in choral settings or in productions.

 • Understanding of some vocal basics and demonstrating vocal confidence in performance.

 •Openness to performing different styles of music in an ensemble setting.

 • Folks who are hard working towards a collective artistic goal.


Important assets to the Chorale include:

 • Commitment to our rehearsal and performance schedule. We rehearse every Thursday at United Heritage at 6:45pm to 9:00pm.

 • Willingness to study and learn concert music outside of rehearsal – independently or with rehearsal aids.

 • Openness to learning new skills and expanding upon existing skills – vocal, aural, rhythm, reading, or movement.


For your Cape Breton Chorale audition:

 • Please sing a short selection of any style; a 30-60 second excerpt will suffice.

 • A pianist will be provided. You may choose to sing a cappella (without accompaniment) or provide your own accompaniment.

We will assess your skills, and your vocal range. This will include vocal exercises and learning a few bars of music together.


Auditions are held in Sydney, NS on the evening of Friday, August 28th and the morning of Saturday, August 29th with additional time on Sunday, August 30th if needed. 



Please contact us by email to arrange a 15-minute audition: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Christmas 2026

Save the Date for Christmas with the Cape Breton Chorale!

When: December 13, 2026, 2:00pm

Where: Highland Arts Theatre, 40 Bentinck St, Sydney

Tickets: TBA

Additional details and ticket information will be posted as soon as they are available. 

2026 Sister Rita Clare Scholarship Recipient

The Cape Breton Chorale is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Sister Rita Clare Scholarship is
Callum Pye.

Callum is a member of the Class of 2026 at Memorial Composite High School, Sydney Mines.

He will be attending Saint Francis Xavier University this fall where he will begin his Bachelor of Music Degree.

The Cape Breton Chorale congratulates Callum and extends best wishes to all applicants on their graduation. We wish all of you the best in your future endeavours!

 

Spring 2026

In Paradisum

Cape Breton Chorale
Emma Francis, Conductor
Paula Jane Francis, Organ/Piano
 
Join the Cape Breton Chorale for an afternoon of music featuring Gabriel Faure's Requiem and Canadian Folk Songs.
 
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 3:00pm
Where: St. Andrews Presbyterian, corner of Main St and Queen St, Sydney Mines
Tickets: $30 general admission, available HERE, or by calling (902) 270-2591.
 

Sweet Valentine Serenade

SWEET VALENTINE SERENADE WITH THE CAPE BRETON CHORALE

Tea, Coffee, Sweets, and Song 

Emma Francis, Director
Paula Jane Francis, Piano 

 

When: Saturday February 14, 2026 1:00pm and 3:30pm 

Where: United Heritage Church Hall, 500 Charlotte St, Sydney

Tickets for 1:00pm show: SOLD OUT!

Tickets for 3:30pm show: $30 available at the door.

Storm Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

 

Read More in the Cape Breton Post!