Dolce Canto
The beloved Missoula-based a capella vocal ensemble Dolce Canto celebrates a remarkable milestone this season with its 25th anniversary concerts, honoring a legacy of musical excellence, artistic collaboration, and deep community connection. These special performances mark not only a quarter century of choral artistry, but also a vibrant look ahead to the ensemble’s future.
The anniversary program will be presented in two performances of The Gift to Sing: Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Helena and Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Missoula. These concerts offer audiences in two communities the opportunity to share in this meaningful celebration.
Each performance brings together a carefully curated blend of repertoire that reflects Dolce Canto’s rich history while embracing new artistic directions. The program weaves beloved selections from past seasons with music that looks boldly toward the future, highlighting both where the ensemble has been and where it is going.
At the heart of this celebration is the world premiere of The Gift to Sing, a newly commissioned work by acclaimed composer Kile Smith. Written specifically for Dolce Canto, this piece serves as a centerpiece of the anniversary concerts, embodying the spirit of gratitude, creativity, and shared musical experience that has defined the ensemble’s journey. Its debut promises to be a highlight of the performances and a meaningful contribution to the choral repertoire.
The 2026 Dolce Canto choir features 32 auditioned singers from across the region, representing some of the finest vocal talent in the area. The ensemble includes more than a dozen professional musicians, voice teachers, and choral directors. Among them are high school choir directors from Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, and Corvallis, Montana, as well as Worland, Wyoming, reflecting the group’s broad regional reach. Dolce Canto also continues its commitment to education by offering continuing education credits for educators.
These 25th anniversary concerts are both a celebration and a reaffirmation—of the joy of singing, the power of community, and the enduring significance of choral music. Tickets are available now.