This week deserves to be recorded in any Powell River history as the week when the world came to town.
Yesterday, July 3, International Choral Kathaumixw started, a five-day celebration of choral music with participants from around the world. Members of the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific have stayed in town to participate in the gala opening of Kathaumixw.
As well, Pulling Together, a canoe journey that aims to improve relations between RCMP, aboriginal youth and their communities, launched from the shores of Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation. On top of that, over 530 participants from 31 different countries arrived in town for stage three of the BC Bike Race, bringing with them over 100 volunteers.
Over 20 years ago, festival organizers chose the Tla’amin name Kathaumixw, which means “a gathering together of different people.” More than 30 choirs from all over the world take part in each festival, which is held every second year. The event is known not only for the high quality of its music, but also for the philosophy that defines it. The festival brings together musicians and music lovers to celebrate music and music’s ability to bring peace to the world.
This week, the community vibrates as choirs and conductors celebrate the best in choral music. Residents and visitors are treated to a vast array of international concerts, choral and vocal solo competitions, common song singing, conductor round tables, concert tours, social events, workshops and seminars.
Because we are isolated and people just can’t happen upon us as they drive to somewhere else, these events are so important in providing exposure for the community. Social media contributes to telling the world about Powell River. Videos on YouTube, blogs, photos shared through Facebook and Twitter, all add up to more exposure for our community. Participants and visitors go back home to all corners and speak of the wonderful, inviting, progressive town they experienced and the friendly, helpful, energetic residents they met.
The number of people who move to the community after experiencing it during any number of activities is on the rise. So many people say they fell in love with Powell River and had to come back for a longer stay. Then they decide to look at real estate and discover how affordable homes are.
These events are created and driven by volunteers, individuals with a passion and vision they wish to share and hundreds of residents who contribute countless hours supporting the participants and the logistics of making everything work. It’s a proud moment indeed and one for the history books.
