Singers from around the world have gathered for International Choral q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kathaumixw ) in qathet every two years since 1984, with a slight hiccup due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That rich history is now on display at qathet Museum and Archives in an exhibit called, Gathering in Song: International Choral q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ throughout the decades.
Choral festival archive photos, video and a timeline going back to the beginning and up to the present was curated by museum manager Ava Hansen in partnership with Powell River Academy of Music.
Museum assistant Deven Gillard spoke with the Peak about the exhibit.
"Ava wanted to create the exhibit now because the festival happened this year," said Gillard. "Powell River Academy of Music provided all the old pamphlets, programs, videos and photos."
Some of the archive videos from the festival had to be digitally transferred and/or copied from DVD and old VHS tapes.
"The timeline starts with Don James, well known in the choir and the choral world," said Gillard. "He wanted to do a music festival and eventually it became an internationally recognized gathering for artists from around the world."
Gillard said the museum has been very busy this summer. She said staff are noticing more Canadians coming in, most likely due to folks wanting to travel local at this time.
The museum is located at 4798 Marine Avenue and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
