Stratford is Alive with Music
Here in Stratford, music is as much a part of life as the swans on the Avon. We love all of it! From the sweet poetry of a Celtic songstress, operatic vocalists of the world stage and up-and-coming country, folk and rock artists, we want all the music we can get.
Our love for music shows with the number of artists coming from and visiting Stratford. Did you know the legendary Duke Ellington dedicated “Sweet Thunder” to Stratford? And one of Oscar Peterson’s career-making concerts was recorded here? Glenn Gould summered in and swooned over Stratford for many years, and Ben Heppner is a regular visitor.
In that classical vein, Louis Applebaum and John Boyden represented Stratford on the world’s classical and opera stages—as do Roger Honeywell, James Westman and Gary Relyea now.
In terms of contemporary music, Richard Manuel of The Band, and John Till—a key member of Janis Joplin’s band—were both born and raised in Stratford. Juno Award-Winning artist Ron Sexsmith, Loreena McKennitt, one of the world’s most eclectic and successful folk musicians, and Ali Matthews, an award-winning Christian artist, all currently live and create in Stratford.
The tradition continues with new artists, such as Dayna Manning, Emm Gryner and Graham Van Pelt. In fact, Juno winner Brian Dickinson credits his youth spent in Stratford as one of the reasons he’s enjoying a successful career as a jazz pianist.
Upcoming Music to Enjoy!
TUESDAY KARAOKE
Hosted by Gemstone Entertainment, karaoke sessions are your ticket to a night of music, laughter & unforgettable performances.
Tuesdays 8:00-11:00pm
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Show us your talent at the Open Mic Night at 8pm. All ages welcome. Wednesday & Thursdays 8:00-10:00pm
LIZ DALLY
Contemporary & jazz classics… let Liz dazzle you with her vocals and piano. (She’s fabulous!) Reservations recommended.
Thursday through Saturday 5:00pm until dusk
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Join us for live music every Saturday this winter. Follow us on Instagram for artist details. No cover. Support local live music in Stratford and come on out for a great time! Saturdays 8:00pm
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Join us for live music every Sunday afternoon. Support local live music. No cover! Sundays 6:00-8:00pm
SUNDAY KARAOKE NIGHT
Be the singer you’ve always dreamed of… but with a real microphone instead of a hairbrush… a real audience instead of a mirror. Sing your heart out at Gilly’s. Sundays 8:00pm-Midnight
THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Labour-of-love show produced by UK-born Toronto musician Luke Jackson who worked with Nick’s string arranger, the late great Robert Kirby on his 2009 album And Then Some. November 22 7:00-10:00pm
JACK DE KEYZER
Come enjoy live music from Jack De Keyzer!
November 22 8:30-11:00pm
4EEVER ALONE
Come out & enjoy live music from 4Ever Alone.
November 22 9:00pm-Midnight
THE ONCE – UPON A WINTERTIME
Join Newfoundland’s award-winning indie folk trio, The Once, for a magical evening of enchanting melodies & heartfelt harmonies from their latest album, Out Here. November 23 7:30pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). November 25 8:00-11:00pm
BRIAN GARDINER
Stop by for an afternoon coffee, stick around for tunes from Cambridge local, Brian Gardiner! Singer songwriter who performs acoustic based rock, folk, pop & country music. November 30 2:00pm
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS WITH THE SING FOR THE JOY OF IT CHOIR
Artistic Director Dan Van Winden. Accompanist Karen Rempel. Featuring guest musicians: Chris Adair, Diane Doig, Tom Garrick, Laurence Gauci, Steve Gruchy, David Manning. December 3 7:30pm
ROSES IN THE SNOW: EMM GRYNER AND FRIENDS
Dive into wintery songs & stories from 3-time Juno nominated artist Emm Gryner. With guests, poet Roshan James & Jess Damen. December 6 7:00-10:00pm
STRATFORD CONCERT CHOIR: SING-ALONG MESSIAH
Led by the choir, you can join your vocal section from the audience & raise your voice in a resounding “Hallelujah”!
December 7 7:00-8:30pm
DUELLING PIANOS
Come enjoy live music from Duelling Pianos!
December 7 8:30pm
BOREAL
Captivating harmonies & song writing “Songs for the Snowy Season.” Melodies & engaging storytelling reflecting the beauty of winter & the joy of connection through music. December 8 2:00-4:00pm
A STRATFORD CHRISTMAS: ESPECIALLY FOR YOU
Festive fun & frolic with our returning hosts Sheila McCarthy & David Rogers, joined by a galaxy of stars from Canadian musical theatre, the Stratford Festival & more. December 14 2:00pm
MAGGIE’S WAKE: SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
Maggie’s Wake is a female led Canadian roots band that combines traditional Celtic instrumentation with a wide range of musical styles. December 15 7:30-9:30pm
FREEDOM TRAIN
Freedom Train brings the greatest songs of all time to life with an authentic respect to the essence and intensity of the original classics! 19+ December 21 8:30pm
KARAOKE NIGHT @ THE STARLIGHT
Join us & host Myles Avigdor for our monthly Karaoke night! Bring your friends & your favourite tunes & be ready to sing your hearts out (or at least watch others do so). December 30 8:00-11:00pm
STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: NEW YEARS CELEBRATION
Conductor William Rowson leads a jubilant performance to set the tone for the year ahead – dance classics to delightful surprises, a symphonic celebration as bubbly as the holiday itself. January 1 3:00pm
LIGHTS ON NYX LIVE! – PUBLIC WORKSHOP
NYX: electronic drone choir exclusive workshop at the Tom Patterson Theatre, one day before their Lights on NYX Live performance! January 17 1:30pm
LIGHTS ON NYX LIVE!
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing fusion of art & sound with the NYX: electronic drone choir. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience of light, reflection & sound! January 18 7:30pm
STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CELTIC CELEBRATION
Conductor William Rowson & guests The Bookends. From traditional tunes to contemporary interpretations, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Celtic culture. January 25 7:30pm
INNERCHAMBER: TRANSPLANTED
The INNERchamber Ensemble shares pieces tied to their various cultural heritages as well as orchestral pieces “transplanted” into our intimate concert space. January 26 Dinner 5:30pm, Concert 7pm
WINE AND ROSES ANNUAL GALA
Wine, roses, music, food & fun shared with friends, is always nourishing for the heart & soul. Our Little Band is back with Beverley Maranger serenading us through the evening. February 15 5:30-10:00pm
STRATFORD CONCERT CHOIR: HER SONG
Music composed by Clara Schuman, Imogene Holst & Alice Parker, & active & vibrant Canadians who are composing today. Kathryn Rose & Sarah Quartel are represented here. March 22 7:00-8:30pm
INNERCHAMBER: TOKYO DIGS A GARDEN
Jon-Erik Lappano & Kellen Hatanaka created an environmentalism & imagination fable, Ben Bolt-Martin composed the score for this new theatrical piece. March 23 Dinner 5:30pm, Concert 7pm
STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ORCHESTRAL FIREWORKS!
Conductor William Rowson & cellist Gwendolyn Nguyen. From Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80” to the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34.” April 5 7:30pm
INNERCHAMBER: FROM DISTANT SHORES
London, England’s Rihab Azar, virtuoso of the Oud, joins INNERchamber to share premières of some of her new works ahead of her debut album release in 2026. April 13 Dinner 5:30pm, Concert 7pm
STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: HMS MOTHER’S DAY
Conductor William Rowson – Enjoy your favourite Gilbert & Sullivan selections, paired with songs from Vaughan Williams, Delius, Granger and Elgar. May 10 7:30pm
STRATFORD CONCERT CHOIR: VIVALDI GLORIA
Under the direction of Stephane Potvin & accompanied by orchestra, we bring the wonderfully sunny nature of the Gloria to life.
May 24 7:00-8:30pm
INNERCHAMBER: DARK WITH EXCESSIVE BRIGHT
Out of context, a line from Milton’s epic, title of Missy Mazzoli’s bass concerto “Dark With Excessive Bright” shows the richness in the double bass in solo. May 25 Dinner 5:30pm, Concert 7pm
Stratford’s Music Highlights & Contemporary Music Scene
Whatever time of year you visit Stratford, you will be treated to musical events and concerts from churches, heritage concert halls and in our parks and gardens. Check out some of our musical highlights below:
- The Stratford Concert Band has been a Stratford musical institution since 1907 and is recognized as one of Ontario’s best community orchestras.
- The Stratford Symphony Orchestra is a regional orchestra that offers classical music concerts to Stratford and surrounding communities. “A Life-Enriching Experience Through Live Music Performance.”
- The Stratford Concert Choir was formed almost 30 years ago and is around 90 voices strong. The Choir sings mainly from the classical repertoire and their concerts often include other musical forces, like the Stratford Concert Band, children’s choirs and many great soloists.
- The highlight of the year is Stratford Summer Music with musical artists of international stature filling our concert halls, parks and churches each summer.
- The celebration of savoury ribs and soulful blues takes place each June along the banks of the beautiful Avon River at the Stratford Live Music & Food.
- INNERchamber is a chamber music concert series in Stratford, with a vision for reshaping the typical concert-going experience.
- Spring brings out the blooms in our gardens but it is the start of our musical concert season starting with the Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts every spring.
- Start Stratford‘s arts and culture magazine offers profiles and features on the writers, performers and artists who make Stratford their creative home.
Stratford’s contemporary music scene is one of the most vibrant in Ontario. From alt-country to folk, indie-rock to dance, we are pleased to present a few of our local musical artists and links to sample their music:
- Dayna Manning daynamanning.com
- Justin Bieber justinbiebermusic.com
- Michael Bannerman upsideofmaybe.com
- Brad Canning bradcanningmusic.com
- Upside of Maybe upsideofmaybe.com
- Ron Sexsmith ronsexsmith.com
The place Justin Bieber calls home
Everybody knows it—Justin Bieber is from our town, and we’re proud to say it! Although he’s now an international musical sensation, he still comes back regularly to visit his good friends.
When Justin was growing up, there were a lot of places around Stratford where he hung out that now have special meaning for him. From the steps of the Avon Theatre, where he first started singing and earned enough to take his mom to Disney World, to the place he went on his first date—these locations are a part of Justin’s journey.
To let you take the same journey as Justin, we’ve created a map for you to tour Justin Bieber’s Stratford. The schools he went to, the ice cream parlour he visited after soccer games and even the skate park where he learned some tricks.
Download our Bieber-iffic Map of Stratford to start your tour.
Don’t miss the Justin Bieber Steps to Stardom Exhibit at the Stratford Perth Museum.
