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Canada 2017

22 concerts, festivals and performances happening for Canada 150

New Year's is over and Canada Day is month's away — but that doesn’t mean you can’t be excited for the Sesquicentennial all year.

For those who love a good show.

Canada 2017 ·
In select cities the National Youth Orchestra will be joined by the National Youth Choir and Indigenous artists.

This is just a small taste of celebrations planned for Canada 150. To make the most of your year, check out this list of 150 ways to get in on Canada's 150th.

1. 150 Years Music to my Ears: The band DEYS is composing a song celebrating the sesquicentennial. For the music video, they will collaborate with Canadians of all abilities and ages to showcase multiple dimensions of the country. (Toronto)

2. Bands 150: London, Ont., is hosting a weekend of music, featuring 250 musicians from a variety of genres. Running on September 16 and 17, Bands 150 aims to entertain and inform attendees to London's music scene. (London, Ont.)

3. Canada 150 Celebratory Cantata: The PEI Symphony Orchestra is celebrating Canada 150 and the 50th anniversary of their founding by holding a celebratory concert featuring a new specially commissioned work. (Charlottetown)

4. Canada 150 Performance Series: This touring series is celebrating what it means to be Canadian by traveling across Atlantic Canada. The series will feature multi-disciplinary artists from the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies, British Columbia and the North. (Atlantic Canada)

5. Canada Mosaic: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is showcasing dozens of new works and thematic programs for 2017, some in collaboration with orchestras across the country.

Not only is the Toronto Symphony Orchestra putting on some amazing performances this year. They recorded the national anthem in 12 languages. 

6. Celebrating Canada through song: James Wright is composing a choral piece with the work of Canadian poet Al Purdy. The four-part composition will be performed at concerts by the Command Performance Community Choir and the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers. (Ottawa and Prince Edward County, Ont.)

7. Cow Over the Moon — Indigenous Stories: This Mississauga-based children's theatre is presenting Indigenous stories based on traditional Ojibway stories. (Mississuaga, Ont.)

8. Dreamcatcher: Charlottetown's Confederation Centre of the Arts is sending a creative team across the country to work with Canadian youth. The project aims to create musical, theatrical and dance performances based on their dreams of Canada's future. (Charlottetown)

9. Edges of Canada: In July and August, the National Youth Orchestra will embark on a pan-Canadian tour performing specially commissioned new works by Canadian composers. 

This year, $1 from every Juno ticket sale will be donated to MusiCounts, helping to ensure that children and youth across Canada have access to musical instruments. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

10. From Far and Wide — O Canada: On June 10, Vancouver's Vivaldi Chamber Choir is holding a concert featuring the works of Canadian composers and arrangers to commemorate the rich choral history of the country. Some of the featured pieces include Songs for a Prospector by Stephen Chatman, My Heart's in the Highlands by David Millard and Make and Break Harbour arranged by Ron Smail. (Vancouver)

11. Kidsfest's Indigenous Showcase Initiative: From May 24 to 27, Calgary's Kidfest will present two Indigenous productions, The Git Hayetsk Dancers and We Are All Treaty People. Both presentations aim to foster awareness around Indigenous issues in an informal environment. (Calgary)

12. Juno Awards and Juno Week: From March 27 to April 2, Ottawa will host Canada's musical communities for seven days of performances, workshops and celebrations leading up to the 46th Annual Juno Awards. Along with the high profile events, people will be able to listen to local talents and explore local venues. (Ottawa)

13. MoW! Montré(olly)Wood: Lead by the Sinha Danse company, MoW! will involve 25 minutes of Bollywood and contemporary dance presented in a flash mob. (Montreal) 

The event welcomes dancers of all levels. So don't be shy and get moving! 

14. Northern Songs: From February 16 - 18, as part of their first Canadian music festival, the Art of Time Ensemble will be showcasing Canadian classical, jazz and popular music at Harbourfront Centre Theatre. (Toronto)

15. Rhythms of Life: This musical experience is exploring African Nova Scotian heritage and how they are linked to world events. The project hopes to build awareness of these lesser known histories while promoting diversity. (Halifax, N.S.)

16. Rock on the River Celebrates Ontario and Canada's 150th: This outdoor festival is honouring Ontario by showcasing Canadian music. Family friendly activities, performers and community groups will entertain festival goers during the day, while local Timmins bands take the stage at night. (Timmins, Ont.)

17. Sharing Dance Canada 2017: Canada's National Ballet School is inviting all Canadians to dance in June. Communities across the country are encouraged to learn the routine and celebrate their identity and community through movement.

400 dancers and over 2,500 spectators celebrated Share Dance Day 2016. Help make the day even bigger this year! 

18. The Sounds of Silence: On March 10, 15 composers, 15 poets and 15 singers will join forces to produce 15 new works that showcase Canada's diverse cultural identity. (Toronto)

19. Steamboat Mountain Music Festival: For Canada Day weekend, Steamboat Mountain Music Society is planning a three-day musical experience that will feature stage performances, intimate patio sessions and musical workshops. (Edgewater, B.C.)

20. This Land, Our Music — A Celebration of Canadian Music: Twenty young performers from the Edmonton Musical Theatre are celebrating the legacy of great Canadian artists from Céline Dion to Gordon Lightfoot through a musical showcase of song and dance. (Edmonton)

21. World Drum and Dance Festival: On February 4, the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society is hosting a drum and dance festival to celebrate diversity and inclusion. (Victoria)

22. YOWttawa: This two-day musical event will feature national and international artists from France, England, Scotland and Ireland across multiple stages. (Ottawa)