Steve Barakatt to write 2027 Canada Games anthem

The 2027 Canada Games Host Society has tapped Canadian composer Steve Barakatt to create COURAGE, the official anthem for the Games in Québec City. The project aims to give the 2027 edition a lasting musical identity as the event returns to the city where the Canada Games began 60 years ago.

Why it matters: - COURAGE is intended to become a cultural marker for the 2027 Canada Games and a shared musical identity for athletes, volunteers and fans. - The anthem is designed to reflect the Games’ values of perseverance, excellence, inclusion, unity and achievement. - The project adds a national cultural element to a major multi-sport event that returns to Québec City for the first time since the inaugural Canada Games in 1967.

What happened: - The 2027 Canada Games Host Society announced that Steve Barakatt will compose and produce COURAGE, the Official Anthem of the 2027 Canada Games. - The Games will take place in Québec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027. - The 2027 edition marks the 60th anniversary of the Canada Games and a return to the city where the event began. - The anthem will be released globally by Universal Music.

The details: - COURAGE is being conceived as an uplifting and powerful musical signature for the Games. - The recording will feature musicians from across Canada. - The anthem will celebrate how sport and music can bring people together across languages, cultures, provinces and territories. - Barakatt has previously created official anthems and musical identities for organizations and events including Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem, Devenir, the Official Anthem of the Ordre national du Québec, Motherland and Jeonju Rhapsody. - The 2027 Canada Games are the largest multi-sport competition in Canada, with more than 3,500 high-calibre athletes and coaches competing in 22 sports. - The 2027 Canada Winter Games are supported by the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the City of Quebec. - More information is available at the 2027 Canada Games website.

Between the lines: - The selection of Barakatt signals an effort to tie the 2027 Games to a recognizable Canadian artist with international reach. - The Host Society and Canada Games Council are framing the anthem as part of the event’s long-term legacy, not just its opening ceremonies. - A nationwide roster of musicians suggests the anthem is meant to mirror the pan-Canadian character of the Games.

What's next: - COURAGE will be composed and produced over the coming months. - The participating artists, recording process and official premiere will be announced later. - The anthem’s rollout is expected to build momentum ahead of the Games’ February 27 to March 14, 2027 run in Québec City.

The bottom line: - The 2027 Canada Games are using a new anthem to create a stronger emotional and cultural identity for the event, with Steve Barakatt set to provide the soundtrack.