Banff Choral Art 2027: Sing with Chanticleer, 12 Residency Places, December 9 Deadline
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada, has opened applications for Choral Art 2027, a nine-day intensive chamber-vocal residency in which 12 emerging singers rehearse and perform alongside the GRAMMY-winning ensemble Chanticleer. The programme runs 12–20 June 2027, with arrival on 11 June and departure on 21 June. Apply no later than 9 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. This is a tuition-bearing training residency, not a salaried job or a prize awarded to twelve singers.
Who can take part and what is studied?
Open internationally to pre-professional sopranos, altos, tenors and basses of all genders, aged 18 or older when the programme starts. Prior experience singing in small ensembles and a commitment to a cappella music are important. Choral Art focuses on Renaissance polyphony, modern arrangements, new commissions, vocal blending, sight-singing and singing without a conductor. Vocal jazz may be one repertoire strand but the programme is multidisciplinary choral music, not a jazz-only competition.
Applications, portfolio and auditions
Complete Banff Centre's application and SlideRoom file submission by 9 December 2026.
A two-page CV or résumé.
One-page letter describing artistic goals and motivation.
Three recordings: a classical art song or aria in a foreign language; one nonclassical selection; and an unaccompanied excerpt (bars 1–27) from Thomas Weelkes's 'When David Heard'.
The full programme dates must be attended; partial-week attendance cannot be arranged.
Exact financial terms: scholarship is not full funding
Total advertised programme cost: CA$2,721.60.
Banff Centre Arts Scholarship applied in the published example: CA$1,424.59.
Remaining participant cost: CA$1,297.01, provided the scholarship eligibility and financial-aid process are satisfied.
Application fee: non-refundable CA$65, or CA$35 for qualifying Indigenous applicants.
The residence includes campus accommodation, meal plan, music facilities and workshops; international flights, visa fees and insurance should be budgeted separately.
Artists and selection value
In addition to working with Chanticleer, resident singers meet vocal artists including soprano Andrea Haines (formerly of VOCES8), composer Sarah Quartel and conductor Michael Zaugg. Participants develop audition skills, ensemble leadership, healthy singing practice and approaches to performing new work. Final performances are shared with a further 40 singers attending the shorter Choral Art Festival, a separate application and fee. Do not confuse these two enrolment routes.
Organiser and practical cautions
Banff Centre is an established Canadian postsecondary arts institution running intensive performing arts residencies in the Rocky Mountains. Chanticleer, founded in San Francisco in 1978, has recorded and toured internationally for decades. Banff states this short programme does not meet Canadian study-visa criteria; selected foreign participants must arrange the appropriate Canadian visitor entry documentation. Fees and scholarships are subject to change, and a submitted application does not guarantee a scholarship or selection.
Banff Centre Choral Art 2027 official residency and fee schedule: https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/choral-art-2027
Separate Choral Art Festival weekend information: https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/choral-art-festival-2027
Information checked 24 October 2026. Deadline 9 December 2026; residency June 12–20, 2027.