Anyone who has attended the previous 14 International Choral Kathaumixw events may be forgiven for shaking their head and asking how such a small community as Powell River can put on such a diverse, prestigious festival.
Since 1984, the festival has brought choirs from around the world to the isolation of the coast. Sandra Donnelly, who is an executive committee member for the event and helps with hospitality, said the festival always captures hearts of those who come.
“Never has there been a time when we haven’t had a choir from overseas or from the United States or Canada that haven’t been enraptured by the end of it. It all has to do with the people of Powell River. The music is wonderful and it’s high end and they really make a lot of friends because of the way the festival is laid out.”
Just like most years, Donnelly said choirs will need families to billet. Each year, choirs are boarded with a family who hosts them, shows them Powell River and ensures they get to and from the event.
For choirs who come from afar, Donnelly said the families are often the best experience. “They have these people for a week. They get to know them, they take them out on excursions and they really have been the backbone of the Kathaumixw festival as far as accommodation and getting them in the mood. They’re so kind and so good.” Donnelly believes part of the hospitality has to do with Powell River being so isolated. She hopes many families will sign up to provide accommodation.
Kathaumixw was started by Don James in 1984 with his friend Dal Matterson as chairman. The two men were out hiking. It was a whimsical idea which James vocalized: to organize a choral festival in Powell River. About 400 singers attended the first festival which has since taken place every two years. More than 1,200 singers gather from around the world today for the festival.
Joyce Wolfe, who works with Donnelly on hospitality, said singers came all the way from Italy and Uganda for the 1984 festival.
Donnelly said it is the people of Powell River and its long history of music which make the town such a welcoming place to be for the singers. “People come here from major orchestras and major choirs and go ‘how can you do that here?’ But of course it’s because there has been a tradition in this town right from the 20s and 30s. The music environment in this town is phenomenal.”
The festival takes place from July 3 to 7. Anybody who is interested in volunteering or billeting for the event can call 604.485.9633 or email [email protected]. Further information is provided on the festival's website.
