Celebrate the art of listening

Recognized as being one of Canada’s most diverse and adventurous musical events, the Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound is an innovative event which celebrates the act of listening.

…like a dream come true for musicians on the forward fringe of the art, and for people normally frightened of same. No more cloistering in concert halls; no preset definitions of what ‘real’ music is.
— Robert Everett-Green, The Globe and Mail

Since its first appearance in the spring of 1998 (and appearing evey other year beginning in in 1999), the Open Ears Festival reinvestigates the way people experience sound and music making, from guided soundwalks through to musical performances in concert halls. The gamut in between has included electroacoustics indoors and outdoors, performance art, sound installations, sound poetry, music in alternative venues, conference activity, and interdisciplinary performance.  Open Ears crosses stylistic territory and genres like no other - the festival has featured instruments as diverse as the violin, electric guitar, the Theremin and the turntable.

Open Ears supports open people.
— Pauline Oliveros, composer/performer

Another important theme of the festival is its ties to the community. Under the auspices of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and in collaboration with NUMUS Concerts and other local arts organizations, the festival has involved activity from professionals, amateurs and volunteers, university and public school students. While the focus is on new art pertaining to sound and music, it is 'a festival for all.'