2027 JAZZ MADRIGAL FESTIVAL
The annual Northern Arizona University Jazz Madrigal Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States, features special guest clinicians and over 150 high school ensembles from Arizona and nearby states. The two-day festival includes a host concert in which choirs from NAU and professional groups of national and international stature appear.
This event will be held in person on the NAU campus in Flagstaff from Thursday, February 4th – Saturday, February 6, 2027. Ensembles of all ability levels are invited to participate in this rated, but non-competitive festival.
CLICK HERE to Register
(beginning October 1 at 7:00 am)
GUEST ENSEMBLE: LYYRA
Lyyra is redefining the role of upper-voice ensembles in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing capabilities of women’s vocal artistry.
Lyyra is the new all-women vocal ensemble from The VOCES8 Foundation and is based in the USA. Creating world-class musical experiences to inspire audiences, Lyyra seeks to redefine the genre of upper voice music in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing capabilities within the full spectrum of women’s singing. The sound of this bright, young group combines velvety richness alongside star-like brilliance. With a broad texture and exhilarating range of sound, the group’s talented members specialize in classical, jazz, pop, and folk music from diverse traditions and backgrounds.
REGISTRATION & COST
$300.00 – for each jazz or madrigal ensemble.
IMPORTANT – Registration is only online – we will no longer accept registration forms via email.
Online registration will begin on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7:00 am (Arizona Time) and will remain open until Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:00 am. All schools that register within this period will be included in a lottery, which will take place at 9:00 am on October 14th. Ensembles will be scheduled according to the lottery results and will be notified via email by October 16th.
Initially, we will accept only TWO ensembles per director. Additional ensembles will be accepted only after all applicants have been allowed to schedule an ensemble. Available slots will be assigned to additional ensembles after the initial registration period. Please note that this will be strictly enforced due to the high demand for festival slots.
CLICK HERE to Register
(beginning October 1 at 7:00 am)
FESTIVAL CLINICIANS
We are pleased to announce the following Madrigal clinicians:
Dr. Brian Galante (Pacific Lutheran University)
Dr. Beth Gibbs (University of Nevada, Reno)
Dr. Anthony Trecek-King (Conductor, Speaker, Educator)
and members of LYYRA
…and our Vocal Jazz clinicians will be:
Alyssa Allgood (Western Michigan University)
Kerry Marsh (University of Kansas)
Christine Tavares-Mocha (Valencia H.S.)
Please note that we switch clinicians between the different sites.
HOST CONCERTS
LYYRA and the NAU Vox Astra and Shrine of the Ages Choirs will present a host concert on Thursday, February 5th and Friday, February 6th at 7:00 pm. (Please note the change in time from previous years). In addition, the NAU Vocal Jazz Ensemble High Altitude will be presenting a free lunchtime concert on Friday and Saturday from 12:00-1:10 p.m.
Tickets for the evening concerts featuring the LYYRA and the NAU Vox Astra and Shrine of the Ages Choirs will go on sale Monday, November 2nd at 7:00 am by email only. Ticket prices will be $20.00 for students and $30.00 for adults. Full payment (Credit Card, Check, or Confirmed PO) for the host concert tickets must be received by Friday, January 8, 2027, or your tickets may be released to the public.
IMPORTANT DATES
- October 1: Festival Registration Opens (7 am)
- October 14: Festival Registration Closes (7 am)
- October 14: Festival Lottery takes place (9 am)
- October 16: Festival Participants notified of Performance Times and Venues via email
- November 2: Tickets forLyyra, Vox Astra, & Shrine of the Ages Choir go on sale (7 am)
- November 16: Senior Audition sign-ups open. Email KSOMto schedule
- December 11: Festival Payment Deadline. NAU Choral Studies Office must receive your payment by this date to save your reserved time slots.
- January 8, 2027: Payment for Festival Host Concert should be received
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any facet of the festival, please contact Shannon Spark, NAU Choral Studies Academic Program Coordinator.