The Academy

The Montréal Summer Choral Academy, presented by the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, brings together choral conductors, singers, educators, and music enthusiasts from around the world. This week-long program offers a unique chance to engage with choral music through both academic study and hands-on singing experiences. Open to participants of all levels, whether you're a seasoned conductor or an amateur singer, there is a track suited to your needs.

Participants take part in workshops, masterclasses, and rehearsals led by renowned faculty and guest artists, all focused on enhancing choral artistry, musicianship, and vocal technique. Special events, including performances and panel discussions, foster an exciting community of learning and artistic growth.

At the Montréal Summer Choral Academy, we believe there are no barriers to the joy of group singing. Whether you're here to refine your skills or simply enjoy the beauty of communal music-making, this Academy promises a rewarding journey into the heart of choral excellence.

The Team

Jean-Sébastien Vallée (Academy Director)

Renowned Canadian-American conductor, scholar, and pedagogue, Jean-Sébastien Vallée is celebrated for his expertise in vocal, choral, and orchestral repertoire. With a career spanning decades, Vallée has led ensembles across North America, Europe, and Asia, and has conducted and prepared choruses for some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.

Dr. Vallée serves as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the renowned 160-voice Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the professional Toronto Mendelssohn Singers. In addition, he is a Full Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies, and Coordinator of the Conducting & Ensembles Area at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University. He previously directed Choral Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and was a faculty member at the University of Redlands. Dr. Vallée holds degrees from Laval University, Sherbrooke University, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a doctorate in conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Vallée’s recordings have been broadcast internationally and include the albums Lux (ATMA, 2017), Requiem (ATMA, 2018 – featuring requiems by Fauré and Duruflé), Distance (ATMA, 2021), and Remember (ATMA, 2024). His recent and upcoming engagements span prestigious venues and ensembles, including concerts at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, a tour with the National Choir of Canada, and performances with l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and a highly anticipated return to Carnegie Hall in New York in May 2025.

Ryan Doyle Valdés (Academy Manager)

Montréal-based conductor and singer, Ryan Doyle Valdés is most recently serving as Project Manager for PODIUM 2024, Canada’s national conference and festival for choral conductors, singers, and enthusiasts. In May 2024, he helped lead the combined efforts of Choral Canada and the Alliance chorale du Québec to welcome over 400 delegates, thousands of audience members, and choirs from across Canada and beyond to Montréal for a celebration of song and choral research.

As a performer, Ryan has appeared with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Voces Borealis, and Montréal’s Théâtre Prospéro. He holds an MMus in Choral Conducting from McGill University, where he studied under Jean-Sébastien Vallée and conducted the McGill University Chorus, as well as a BA in Music from the University of Delaware, where he served as Associate Music Director of the Lyric Theater and was a Conducting Scholar of the Delaware Choral Academy.

The city of Montréal

Summer in Montréal is a vibrant tapestry of culture, music, and outdoor excitement—an ideal backdrop for the Montréal Summer Choral Academy. As the city basks in warm sunshine, its parks and historic streets come alive with festivals, open-air concerts, and bustling cafés that invite both relaxation and inspiration. Stroll through the lively streets of Plateau Mont-Royal, enjoy stunning waterfront views along the St. Lawrence River, or immerse yourself in the eclectic arts scene of the Quartier des Spectacles.

Montréal's summer also offers diverse dining experiences, vibrant night markets, and opportunities to explore nearby natural escapes like Mount Royal Park. The city's unique blend of European charm and North American energy creates an inviting and dynamic setting for your musical growth and connection. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely bike ride, attending the world-renowned Jazz Festival, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Montréal's summer spirit will enhance your time at the Academy. This experience promises not only a place of learning but also a memorable adventure in one of Canada's most captivating cities.