Festival des harmonies et des orchestres symphoniques du Québec

Festival des harmonies et des orchestres symphoniques du Québec

Since 1929, le Festival des harmonies et des orchestres symphoniques has inspired generations of musicians from across Quebec. Year after year, this landmark event brings together music enthusiasts eager to share their talent, refine their skills, draw inspiration from their peers, and build lasting connections within a vibrant and engaged community.

Today, the Festival is recognized as one of the most prestigious and essential events in Quebec's amateur music community. Each year, it welcomes nearly 8,000 amateur musicians, educators, conductors, and music lovers. As a true celebration of musical excellence, this large-scale competition showcases the richness and diversity of musical performance, whether through large ensembles, chamber music, or solo performances.

Beyond the competition, the Festival offers a unique learning and discovery experience. Participants have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, including masterclasses led by renowned artists and a special opportunity to meet the Guest Composer. Throughout the weekend, a rich and festive program brings the site to life with concerts, workshops, training sessions, lectures, and community-building activities that enhance the experience for everyone.

Join us for this extraordinary gathering and experience an unforgettable musical journey!

Registration

Registration - Large Ensembles

From May 20 to May 23 2027


Festival

2500, Bd de l'Université
Sherbrooke, J1N 3C6

Details

Registration - Soloists and Chamber Ensembles

From May 20 to May 23 2027


Festival

2500, Bd de l'Université
Sherbrooke, J1N 3C6

Details

Regulations

For complete details, please consult the 2027 Rules and Regulations Handbook or the various sections of this page.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2027 EDITION
Large Ensemble Division • Soloist and Chamber Music Division

October 15 to December 15, 2026*

Payment Options

  • Online payment by credit card for amounts up to $500.
  • Direct deposit or cheque.

*Registration will only be considered complete upon receipt of the registration fee payment.

FINAL SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY 1 - Large Ensemble Division
MARCH 1 - Soloist and Chamber Ensemble Division

The performance order for the Large Ensemble Division will be available as of February 1, 2027. The performance order for the Soloist and Chamber Ensemble Division will be released beginning March 1, 2027.

Please note that a minimum interval of two hours will be maintained between large ensemble performances and those of participants in the Soloist and Chamber Ensemble Division. This measure is intended to allow musicians performing in multiple divisions to participate under optimal conditions and travel comfortably between competition venues.

The FHOSQ reserves the right to combine or divide certain classes based on the number of registrations received. As a result, the performance order of categories may vary from one edition to another.

Please consult the 2027 Sample Schedule to determine the performance day associated with your category.

 

 

SCORES - DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2027

The deadline for submitting your program (work titles, composer, duration, and grade level) is April 1, 2027. This information must be submitted using the form available in your member portal.

After April 1, no repertoire changes will be accepted. Participants must perform the works declared during registration. Failure to do so will result in the ensemble being designated non-competitive.

Scores provided to the adjudicators must be free of any annotations, markings, or handwritten notes. A verification will be carried out by volunteers before the scores are distributed to the adjudication panel.

Scores for the adjudicators will be collected on site and distributed shortly before your performance. It is the responsibility of each participant to provide the required number of copies.

If scores are not provided, the adjudicators will proceed with the evaluation without them.

Participants registered for a VIP Masterclass following their performance must provide an additional copy of their scores for the clinician.

 

PIANISTS' NAMES - DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1
AUDIO TRACKS - DEADLINE: APRIL 1

Participants in the Soloist Division may perform with a pianist, use an audio track, or perform their program without accompaniment.

Due to competition scheduling constraints, a maximum of fifteen participants per accompanying pianist will be permitted. The name of the accompanist pianist must be submitted to the FHOSQ no later than February 1, 2027. If you are having difficulty finding an accompanist, we can recommend professional pianists.

The FHOSQ reserves the right to refuse the participation of an accompanist pianist if their name has not been submitted by the prescribed deadline.

Audio accompaniments must be submitted in MP3 format to info@fhosq.com no later than April 1, 2027.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that the audio file submitted is complete, of high quality, and corresponds to the work that will be performed during the competition.

Information Coming Soon!

Festival results will be announced on site during four separate awards ceremonies held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The FHOSQ reserves the right to adjust scholarship and award amounts, if necessary.

Results will be available in the Results section and in the Member Area immediately following the closing ceremony on Sunday. To view your results, select your category, ensure that you have chosen the correct Junior or Senior division, and click Filter. Be sure to complete all fields (Ensemble Type, Class, Category, and Competition).

Groups achieving a score of 85% or higher will receive a Gold Rating, while those achieving a score between 75% and 84.99% will receive a Silver Rating.

Awards and adjudicators' comment sheets will be available at the conclusion of the closing ceremony. Awards not collected on site will be mailed at the expense of the ensemble concerned.

As part of the FHOSQ's commitment to sustainable development, plaques will now be replaced by complimentary certificates. Ensembles that request one during registration may purchase a commemorative wall plaque at a cost of $50.

Services

DEADLINE: APRIL 1

Wristbands will be available for purchase from January 15 to April 1, 2027, at a cost of $18. They are required to access the competition venues and warm-up rooms. Each participant, music director, accompanist and chaperone must get a wristband for the duration of the event.

The purchase of wristbands also allows you to reserve a warm-up room for your large ensemble. Reservations are assigned based on the arrival and departure times you will indicate. As the number of available rooms is limited, it is essential to provide accurate and up-to-date information. This information enables the FHOSQ to plan room usage efficiently and ensure a fair and effective allocation of warm-up rooms among participating ensembles.

Warm-up rooms for soloists and small ensembles will also be assigned according to your performance time. Additional information will be provided soon.

DEADLINE: APRIL 1


Several services are available to help facilitate the participation of large ensembles in the Festival. These services will be available for purchase from January 15 to April 1, 2027. 

Meal Vouchers 

Meal vouchers are available to participants, music directors, and parent chaperones of ensembles registered for the Festival. Redeemable at the various dining locations on the University of Sherbrooke campus, they provide a convenient solution that reduces the need for cash transactions and simplifies meal management for groups. In addition, an express checkout line will be available at the main cafeteria for meal voucher holders, allowing for faster service. Meal vouchers may be ordered starting January 15, 2027 through your member portal. The general public will also have access to the campus dining services but will be required to pay directly on site. 

Accommodation 

To make your stay easier, the Festival will once again offer various accommodation options this year through agreements with the University of Sherbrooke residences, Bishop’s University residences, and the dormitory-style classrooms at Cégep de Sherbrooke.

Reservation details and additional information will be announced shortly. 

Shuttle Service 

A shuttle service is available between the Festival site and partner accommodations for ensembles that do not retain their bus for the duration of their stay. This service is reserved exclusively for large ensembles. All other participants and members of the public are responsible for arranging their own transportation during the Festival.

DEADLINE: APRIL 1


For the 2027 Prestige Concert, we are pleased to welcome OKTOPUS on Saturday, May 22, 2027, at the Maurice O'Bready Hall of the Cultural Centre at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Renowned for its infectious energy and bold musical approach, the ensemble promises a memorable evening that will inspire musicians and festivalgoers of all ages.

Tickets will be available for purchase through your member portal from January 15 to April 1, 2027, at a cost of $16 each. Don't miss this opportunity to attend one of the Festival's premier events! 

Oktopus is a leading presence on Canada's world music scene, with more than 350 performances across Canada and internationally. The octet is primarily dedicated to klezmer music and is distinguished by its unique approach, incorporating elements from classical, Quebecois, and jazz traditions.