Nurturing the Next
Generation of Musicians
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Join us for a celebration of music, learning, and performance in the heart of the Shuswap.

Welcome to the Shuswap Music Festival

Held annually each April, the Shuswap Music Festival celebrates musical excellence by showcasing talented performers in piano, voice, choral, bands and string disciplines.

Our mission is to encourage, support, challenge, and inspire students and amateur musicians from the Shuswap region and surrounding communities. The festival provides a valuable opportunity for participants of all levels to perform for professional, highly qualified adjudicators and to receive constructive feedback in a supportive and enriching environment.

The Shuswap Music Festival is a non-profit society, proudly organized and managed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors.

THE SHUSWAP FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

The Shuswap Festival is more than a performance—it’s a journey of growth, inspiration, and connection.
For young performers, it’s a chance to step into the spotlight, build confidence, and develop essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-assurance. Constructive, unbiased feedback from professional adjudicators helps guide their musical progress, strengthen practice habits, and prepare them for future performances or exams.

For teachers, the Festival provides a supportive, professional setting where students can showcase their hard work, gain meaningful experience on stage, and find new motivation to reach the next level.

For parents, it’s an opportunity to watch children grow not only as musicians but as confident, expressive individuals. Along the way, participants may also earn recognition and scholarships, while creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Shuswap Festival is where talent shines, passion is celebrated, and the joy of music brings our community together.

2026 Festival Schedule

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Shuswap Music Festival such a success. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, talent, and encouragement throughout the festival. Most importantly, congratulations to all of our participants for sharing their hard work, courage, and love of music. Your performances continue to inspire and strengthen the arts in our community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year!~ SMF Board of Directors

“I was a participant in the Shuswap Music Festival, and my experience this year was both fun and educational. I truly enjoyed performing for the adjudicators and appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow as a musician.”

“I really enjoyed the festival and am already looking forward to participating again next year. It was absolutely worth all the hard work and preparation!”

“As someone who struggles with performance anxiety, I found the festival incredibly helpful in building my confidence and learning how to overcome the challenges that can come with performing.”

 2026 Best of the Festival

Gala Concert 2026 filled Nexus at First Community with the rich sounds of piano, strings and voice. Festival performers were honored, with awards and scholarships in recognition of their achievement and dedication.  It was an evening of inspiring performances and unforgettable moments celebrating the joy of music.


Claire Weathermon wins the Best of the Fest in Strings award presented by Doug Leatherdale, Shuswap Rotary Club.


Makenna Boucher wins Best of the Festival in Vocal award presented by Darcy Johnston, Rotary Club of Salmon Arm.


Calia Mortenson wins the Best of the Festival in Piano award presented by Morgan Turland, Daybreak Rotary Club.

Board of Directors

Highlights of the 2026 Festival

2026 Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous Sponsors and Donors whose contribution make the Music Festival possible each year.  Your continued support nurtures young musicians, enriches our community and helps keep the spirit of music alive.  We deeply appreciate your commitment, and generosity.

Thank you to our donors

  • Nancy Leatherdale Memorial
  • First Community/NEXUS
  • Klein Family Endowment
  • Prestige Hotel & Resorts
  • Kevin & Suzanne Beckner
  • Lorne Lazzaroto
  • Blair Borden Endowment
  • Fowler/Gomme Family
  • Colin Molnar Memorial Endowment
  • Landers Family Legacy
  • Mickey Petersen Endowment
  • Geoff and Judith Benson Family Endowment

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