An Evening of Experimental Sound

Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound brings contemporary and experimental music to Kitchener each June. The 2026 edition, running June 4–7, showcases a diverse lineup of performances, installations, and interactive workshops that push the boundaries of what music can be. From electroacoustic works to improvised performances, the festival invites audiences to engage with sound in unexpected ways.

A Wide Range of Experiences

The festival spans multiple venues across Kitchener, including The Registry Theatre, Kitchener Public Library Theatre, and outdoor spaces like Victoria Park and Waterloo City Hall. Highlights include the world premiere of "Confined in Everyday Scenes," a suite for solo cello and fixed electronics by composer Frank Horvat performed by cellist Joann Whang. Duo Cichorium presents interactive and immersive works such as "The Sylvan Legacy," an audience-controlled performance shaped in real time by spectator decisions via smart devices. Kairos Percussion Quartet performs "Twisted Ritual," described as turning a percussion concert into a shared ceremony shaped by sound and immersion.

Hands-On Learning

The festival emphasizes participation through multiple free workshops. Attendees can build DIY instruments and noisemakers with Duo Cichorium, explore improvisation techniques, or experience interactive performance works. Installations like Peter Hatch's "Hours. Minutes. Seconds." invite visitors to step inside audiovisual environments that explore themes of time and measurement.

Accessibility and Community

Many events are free or low-cost, with tickets ranging from free installations to $30 per concert. The festival also highlights diverse musical traditions, including performances exploring medieval European and Makam music through "Fragmented Forms," and West African heritage through "NIMBA: The Performative Installation." Volunteers are actively recruited to help bring the festival to life.