Established in 1980, Scotia Festival of Music has earned its reputation as one of the premier classical music festivals in Nova Scotia's yearly festival scene. Managing and Artistic Director Simon Docking leads the festival with a philosophy centered on chamber music's intimate connection between musicians and audiences. The festival celebrates both chamber music classics by composers including Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Beethoven alongside contemporary works and lesser-known treasures.

The 2026 edition brings together over 20 world-class musicians from across North America and Europe. The lineup includes conductor Timothy Weiss, directing a concert featuring György Ligeti's violin concerto, and a gala closing concert with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. Composer-in-residence Ian Cusson brings fresh perspectives with compositions exploring Canadian Indigenous experience, while soprano Emma Pennell represents emerging operatic talent as a member of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio.

The festival's diverse roster includes acclaimed string players such as violinist Mark Fewer (three decades of global concert performance) and recently-retired Winnipeg Symphony Concertmaster Gwen Hoebig, alongside principal orchestra musicians from institutions across Canada including the Edmonton Symphony, Quebec Symphony, and Canadian Opera Company. Pianists include Grammy-nominated John Novacek and JUNO Award winner Philip Chiu, while wind and brass artists represent leading orchestras and musical institutions.