Hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors attended the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario’s “2026 Ontario Sings” event at the Sanderson Centre on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The “Sapphire Celebration” was the culminating event of the Brant Men of Song’s 65th season.
The musical afternoon featured six choruses from Burlington, Cambridge, Guelph, Niagara Region, Toronto, and of course Brantford, who all performed individually and as a mass chorus.
The long-waited event kicked off with the Brantford Pipes and Drums band piping the over 150 men as they settled on stage for the singing of the national anthem.
Co-Masters of Ceremonies, Gary Surette and his granddaughter Julia Surette, welcomed the audience to the performance and congratulated the Brant Men of Song on their anniversary.
“This year marks a very special milestone for our host chorus, the Brant Men of Song,” said Gary. “Today, they celebrate 65 years of music, fellowship, and service to our community.”
Julia then passed along greetings from the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
The message read, “I am delighted to send warm greetings to the members of the Brant Men of Song as you celebrate the 65th anniversary. Since its founding in 1961, this outstanding chorus has enriched community life through music and has been part of many special occasions. Your performances have brought not only joy, but also comfort and a sense of belonging. Your longstanding support for worthy causes reflects a tradition of generosity that has touched countless lives. Just as meaningful are the friendships and shared experiences that have flourished among members over the years. This anniversary is a fitting opportunity to celebrate all that you have built with heart, dedication, and a strong spirit of service to the community. Please accept my congratulations and best wishes for a memorable celebration.”
After performing Joseph Martin’s “The Awakening” as one massed chorus, the pipes and drums band were welcomed back on stage for their medley performance of “Farewell to Camraw,” “Paddy Be Easy” and “Flee the Glen.”
The audience then heard two songs each from the Niagara Men’s Chorus, the Guelph Male Choir and the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus.
The more than 150 men all gathered back on stage for a massed chorus performance of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” and “Why We Sing” before breaking for intermission.
As the audience settled back into their seats, the massed choir came together to perform “Sing Your Way Home.”
Speaking about the power of a large chorus, Gary said, “Moments like that remind us why people continue gathering to sing. …It reminds us why music continues to matter across generations.”
The audience were later treated to further performances from the Toronto-based MenAloud and the Cambridge Male Chorus.
Afterwards, the Brant Men of Song, who were all sporting sapphire blue ties for the celebration and looked incredibly proud, finally took the stage as the host chorus.
“Since 1961, the Brant Men of Song has been part of the musical fabric of Brantford and Brant County,” said Julia.
Gary added, “For six and half decades, generations of singers have carried forward a tradition built on music, friendship, volunteerism and community pride.”
The group then delivered George Harrison’s classic love song “Something,” followed by Derrick Fox’s “Journey On.”
To end the evening, the six choruses came together once more to sing “What Would I Do Without My Music?” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
During that final song, the men spread out amongst the aisles of the Sanderson Centre, filling the room with rich, layered harmonies and earning them a standing ovation.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
