Powell River Academy of Music
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Participate as a Choir

Come to Kathaumixw

Choirs of all ages and voicing are invited to participate in the International Choral Kathaumixw festival in the picturesque seaside town of Powell River, British Columbia, Canada - 80 air miles north of Vancouver.

The festival selects a balance of children, youth and adult choirs from around the world. Each participant must pay a $225 participation fee. "Participants" include singers, conductors, accompanists, and chaperones. The registration fee covers tickets to concerts, competitions, social events, limited festival transportation, a swimming pool pass, festival souvenir program, and other festival events.

Choirs have the opportunity to:

Gala Opening

All participants parade into the Great Hall for the Gala Opening Concert.

Perform

Kathaumixw presents 18 concerts during the festival. Choirs sing in a minimum of two and a maximum of six concerts. In most cases, choirs share concerts with other participating choirs.

Sing Together

Choirs rehearse a common repertoire each day that is performed in the Gala Closing Concert. Members of the distinguished choral jury lead these rehearsals.

Take Part in Choir & Vocal Solo Competitions

Choirs and soloists have the opportunity to participate in various choir & vocal solo competitions. The competitions are for amateur choirs and singers and are judged by an internationally renowned jury. The competitions have become popular concerts for the public. Results of 1st & 2nd place & special awards are announced at the end of the festival. All participants receive constructive written comments from the international jury. First prize and special prize winners perform in the Gala Awards Concert. To view the competition categories click here.

Conductors Round Tables

Informal round table discussions are held for conductors during lunch. Topics such as repertoire, choral trends and projects, rehearsal and vocal techniques are discussed bringing together ideas from many diverse countries and cultures. The round table discussion leaders include outstanding choral conductors and jury members.

Social Events

There are various barbecues, banquets, receptions, street fairs, sightseeing and other social events for participants. Excursions will be made available at cost for participants to experience the natural beauty of Powell River and its surrounding areas.

Festival Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation is coordinated and allocated by the festival.

Costs

  • All choirs are housed in hotels - the accommodation & meals costs are based on the number of people per room and the type of hotel. The festival arranges all housing & meals and will accommodate each choir's needs.

Kathaumixw arranges housing and meals for singers, conductors and accompanists, plus one adult chaperone per ten singers for children and youth choirs.

Outreach Concert Tours

Choirs wishing to extend their stay and explore the picturesque lanscapes of the area may take part in the Kathaumixw Outreach Concert Tours program. These tours are organized throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia's interior. Tours are customized to the choirs needs and are from 2 to 6 days. Tour arrangements include:

~ concert promotion
~ venue bookings and management
~ transportation
~ accommodation and some meals
~ tour hosts
~ sightseeing excursions

The outreach concert tours take place the week following the festival. For more information on the tour program, tour areas and costs click here.