Sweet Strings is the new community string ensemble, being launched under the umbrella of the acclaimed Sweetwater Music Festival, a festival that has been bringing outstanding music to the region for over 22 years.

A unique program of the annual SweetWater Music Festival aims to both provide experience for young artists and build the classical music community in the area. 

There’s always some excitement around the start of a new semester. But it’s no match for the excitement around the start of a week-long music festival, and his excitement for what’s in store for this area come September is evident.

Songs & Serenades is the theme for this year’s SweetWater Music Festival, the 21st season for the event. The Festival takes place from September 11 to 15 in various locations across Owen Sound, Meaford and Leith in the Grey Bruce region of Ontario.

L. Murray Cathcart passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27th at home with his family by his side. He is grieved by his wife of 69 years, B. Ruth Cathcart ne Chennells; his 4 children—Colin, Scott, Jane, and Cameron; his 9 grandchildren—Eva, Anna, Emily, Alice, Johnny, Jenna, Maddie, Davis, and Corinne; and 7 great grandchildren—William, Maclaren, Jack, Luna, Alice, and Murray.

Read an article submitted By Jen Burak, published in The Meaford Independent May 22, 2023 in which SweetWater receives a glowing review for our Springtime Live Concert.

Every third week in September, exceptional musicians from across Canada, America and Europe assemble in Owen Sound to perform classical, jazz and contemporary music concerts at the SweetWater Music Festival. Concerts take place over five days at a variety of venues, from the historic Leith Church to the funky Heartwood Concert Hall. Read Gail Gallant’s full article.

So that musicians and our creative team may enjoy a comfortable stay in beautiful Owen Sound and keep close to the variety or venues, the 2023 festival organizers are looking for Owen Sound area residents who are willing to open their homes to guests from September 10-17.

Be one of eight musicians selected to be a part of our online virtual showcase, videos will be shared on SweetWater’s online platforms and receive a $150 honorarium. Register today for SweetWater’s 2023 Next Wave Showcase!

SweetWater Festival to produce documentary in celebration of 20th anniversary. The SweetWater Music Festival is asking Owen Sound for $3,500 to support the production of a 20th anniversary documentary film and the operation of this year’s festival in September.

The SweetWater Music Festival is a unique annual event in Grey-Bruce, Ontario that showcases exceptional musicians from across Canada and beyond, performing live classical, jazz and contemporary music. Now in its 19th year the event features outstanding creativity and we’d love you to be a part of it!

In recognition of financial challenges due to the pandemic and inflation, SweetWater has created a way for music lovers to choose a price that fits their situation and doesn’t stand in their way of attending a SweetWater concert. Additionally, concert-goers also have the opportunity to add some extra support if they are able. Choose your own price!

The SweetWater Music Festival is putting the spotlight on young performers again as part of its fourth annual Next Wave Showcase from June 16 to 30. Once again this music event for emerging, aspiring musicians between the ages of 14 to 29 is taking place online.

SweetWater Music Festival Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Natasha Bood as General Manager effective June 6, 2022.

The SweetWater Music Festival held its Annual General Meeting once again virtually on April 21. Beyond the usual election of Board Directors and Board Officers, there was a lot of good news and successes to talk about from the past 12 months.