The annual Sound Atlas Festival brings the best of contemporary music to Calgary for its second iteration in June 2024, celebrating works by living composers and extraordinary performances by local and international sound artists. Co-presented by the powerhouse mixed chamber ensemble Latitude 49, and the JUNO-nominated Land’s End Ensemble, Sound Atlas Festival takes place at Contemporary Calgary, Calgary’s world class centre for the artwork of our time.

Spread out over three days, Sound Atlas Festival takes listeners on a powerful journey of expression, moving freely to challenge, delight, and engage. This year, Sound Atlas Festival will highlight the Canadian-American composer Jared Miller as featured composer, whose music has been described as “playful” (New York Times), “hypnotic” (Sequenza 21), and “highly personal” (CBC Radio). He will be joined by a host of composers and internationally acclaimed artists from across Calgary, Canada, and the United States. Featured solo artists include Paris-based harpist Parker Ramsay whose performances have been described as “remarkably special” (Gramophone) and “nuanced and insightful” (BBC Music Magazine),  multimedia artist and experimental composer/saxophonist Nick Zoulek, and the dynamic Calgary-based percussionist and sound artist Chris Sies, known for his ‘“virtuoso flair” (Detroit Free Press). The Calgary Phil’s principal trumpet player Adam Zinatelli and local piano maven Akiko Tominaga will join together as a duo following the acclaimed release of their album Fifteen Feet Closer to the Sky (Leaf Music) and co-presenters Land’s End Ensemble and Latitude 49 will present unforgettable performances featuring each group distinctly and in collaboration. Sound Atlas Festival is pleased to expand its scope this year with a special presentation from Calgary’s free improvisation heroes Circular Sparrow, made up of regulars on the Bug Incision series under the leadership of percussionist and composer Chris Dadge. 

Festival goers can anticipate an eclectic and diverse range of musical styles, with something for everyone. Each day will feature multiple concert events and pop-up style performances with our Contemporary Performance Lab fellows, in a sonic feast for the culturally curious. Audiences will enjoy plenty of time to mingle, reflect and explore, moving through a variety of gallery spaces at Contemporary Calgary, hopefully with a beer in hand from The Establishment Brewing Company, named 2021 Canadian Brewery of the Year and our festival sponsor. Sound Atlas Festival is an experience unlike any other and an intersectional space dedicated to championing what's new and what’s now - come be part of the magic! 

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FESTIVAL PASS:

$150 Adult/General Admission

$60 Students/children (18 and under)