Symphony academy benefits region

Belief in a summer symphony academy has paid off for both the organizers and the community.

The inaugural season of PRISMA (Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy) was a success, both artistically and economically, Arthur Arnold, PRISMA’s music director, and Paul Schachter, secretary-treasurer of the board of directors, told Powell River Regional District directors at the October 24 board meeting.

PRISMA was established in 2012 to continue the summer symphony academy and music festival that was initiated by Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific (SOAP) in 2003 by Powell River Academy of Music. PRISMA’s inaugural season took place June 18 to 28.

Arnold, who is also the chief conductor of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, had just returned from Moscow the day before the board meeting. He reported the winner of PRISMA’s concerto competition recently performed with the Moscow orchestra. “She was totally overwhelmed,” he said. “It was an experience she loved.”

That is one example of how the word about PRISMA and Powell River spreads, Arnold added, pointing out the directors of the Moscow symphony visited Powell River last summer. “They were totally, totally amazed by this city.”

Schachter provided the economic overview, noting that PRISMA spent $180,000 locally. “This is just what PRISMA spent on hotels, insurance and everything that made it happen,” he said.

Money that is spent locally is spent again and again by those who receive it, Schachter pointed out. “The money is used to buy other goods and services from businesses and it creates a chain reaction of indirect or induced spending,” he said.

More than 110 students applied to PRISMA 2013 and 63 attended. They were instructed by 18 distinguished guest artists from prestigious orchestras in the United States, Canada and Europe who served as faculty members.

There were 2,000 individual paid admissions to the concerts, Schachter said, and several hundred more came from the sponsor and donor promotions that were held. “It really was extremely well attended,” he said.

Close to 400 people travelled from Vancouver Island for the symphony cruise, which included a matinee concert, and spent between $50,000 to $75,000 in the community.

Another key event that helped make the festival a success was the Celebration of the Senses, a free concert for the community at Willingdon Beach. It was estimated that 600 people attended. Several food vendors said they sold out, Schachter said, and one reported 150 meals sold in two hours.

Indirectly, restaurants were a big beneficiary, Schachter added, and there were additional accommodations for visitors who came to Powell River for PRISMA. “Car rentals, bus and plane fares were a big item,” he said.

Overall, PRISMA came out in the black, Schachter said. “There was enough revenue brought in that we have the seed money to jumpstart next year’s festival,” he said.

For 2014, the festival will be expanded by adding two days, Arnold said. PRISMA 2014 will be held over a full two weeks, from June 16 to 28.

Arnold announced last year that Soyoung Yoon, the renowned violinist who thrilled audiences at PRISMA 2013, is returning for 2014, along with other talented faculty.