Symposium Events

Harbour Symphony

Alerting the entire city that Sound Symposium is here again, a new Harbour Symphony will echo across St. John's every day at 12:30. Ships take the form of a giant horn section, taking advantage of the unique acoustics of the bowl-shaped St. John's harbour. Our Harbour Symphony has made appearances in Montreal and San Francisco, but nowhere is it more striking than in St. John's. It's impossible to miss this event, but plan to take a few minutes out to really listen: the best place to do so is on Signal Hill.

Evening Concerts

Our famous evening programs combine the best of jazz, contemporary classical, world and improvised music with theatre, film and dance. Each night promises a different blend of the familiar with the unknown - something for everyone with open ears!

Workshops

To the experienced artist or curious amateur: try something new! A rare chance for hands-on learning with internationally respected experts.

Quiet Music Series

As the evening deepens, step into a quiet space - perhaps a living room of a St. John's heritage home or a darkened art gallery. Get comfortable, and listen to an exquisite concert of unamplified music performed by Symposium artists, away from traditional concert halls, background noise and barroom chatter. After each performance, the audience is welcome to linger, sip a glass of wine, and mingle with the artists and each other.

Night Music at the Ship Pub

Each night, a different performer or band will take to the stage of the Ship Pub and warm up the audience with a set of original music. Then the floor opens up, as Symposium guests and others are invited to join the jam, and the fun begins. These late night bar shows were among the highlights of the last festival. The Ship Pub is a legend in its own right: the birthplace of countless collaborations, the inspiration for others, and the favoured watering hole for Newfoundland artists. The atmosphere, music and company will make your Ship Pub visits ones to remember.

Visions of Sound

Sound Symposium prides itself on bringing cutting-edge installation artists together to explore the boundaries of sound and visual art. This coming year will be no exception, with a diverse group of interdisciplinary artists setting up their pieces in galleries, stairwells and dramatic outdoor sites. There will be an organized Sound Walk, but most of the participating galleries and exhibition spaces will have regular open times. All artists will be on hand at specific times for discussion. Challenge your perception and open your senses!

Cape Spear Project

Sound Symposium artists join together for late night performance and improvisation at the easternmost point in North America. The sound of the waves and wind (and perhaps a whale or two) provide just the backdrop for music echoing through WWII bunkers. Bring an extra sweater and enjoy the magic.