Powell River Internation Kathaumixw choral festival Every two years in early July, the International Choral Kathaumixw Festival takes place in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada, featuring choral and solo competitions, concerts and seminars.
Kathaumixw is a Salish word meaning: a gathering together of different peoples In 1984 the first international choral festival was held in North America - it was the International Choral Kathaumixw. Organized by Don James and Dal Matterson at the suggestion of Don James who had often taken his choirs to choral festivals in Europe and wanted to open up the North American continent for similar events. Since 1984 the International Choral Kathaumixw has taken place every two years. Approximately 1,200 singers gather from North and South America and Australia to Europe, Asia, Africa to share their singing, customs and language. To quote Don James, Music Director of Kathaumixw, it is one of the few prestigious choral competitions in the world where singers can compare themselves with others and learn new ideas and techniques from other choirs and from the jury. From its inception the International Choral Kathaumixw has had prestigious jury members. In its fourteen year history Kathaumixw has commissioned several works by Canadian and foreign composers including staged choral works. The Festival involves many of the citizens of Powell River who generously open their homes to the overseas visitors as well as volunteering before and during the event. Volunteers are a large part of the great success Kathaumixw has enjoyed. Many of the choirs choose to arrive by ferries from Vancouver traveling through breath-taking scenery on water and land. The citizens of this small town have realized tremendous pride in hosting the International Choral Kathaumixw. This week of music every two years has become an event to write about here and abroad and to have Powell River recognized in all parts of the world as a choral centre is very exciting.
International Concerts Kathaumixw presents 20 International Concerts during the Festival. Participating choirs perform in a minimum of two and a maximum of four concerts. In most cases choirs share concerts with other participating choirs. Common Singing Each day all choirs rehearse together a common repertoire which is performed in the Gala Closing Concert. These rehearsals are led by members of the distinguished choral jury. Conductors Round Tables Informal round table discussions are held for conductors every lunch to discuss repertoire, trends and techniques and to share ideas from many countries. The round table discussion leaders include outstanding choral conductors and jury members. Competition Participating choirs and soloists may enter various competitions. The competitions are for amateur choirs and singers and are judged by an internationally renowned jury. First and second prizes are awarded in each category. First prize and special prize winners perform in the Gala Closing Concert. Categories include:
101 Children's Choir (maximum age 16); 102 Youth Choir SSA (maximum age 25); 103 Mixed Choir; 104 Equal Voice Choir (male/female over 18 years of age)
201 Chamber Choir For vocal groups of not less than six and not more than sixteen singers performing two contrasting works; one from the sacred and one from the secular repertoire; 202 Contemporary Choral Music For choirs performing two 20th century compositions displaying innovative and important 20th century compositional techniques; 203 Folk Music For choirs performing two contrasting traditional folk songs or folk song arrangements from the choirs own country. Authentic costumes, instruments may be used where appropriate.
301 Vocal Solo (maximum age 16); 302 Vocal Solo (maximum age 21); 303 Vocal Solo (over 21 years of age). Soloists must sing two contrasting works: one from the classical and one from the sacred repertoire. Choirs may participate in the Festival without entering the competition.
Obligations Each participating choir is obliged:to participate in the planned Schedule for the whole festival period.to waive all rights associated with radio or television broadcasting and audio and video recordings.to waive all rights to any form of financial compensation.
Concert Tours - The Festival organizes concert tours throughout the Pacific Northwest for interested visiting choirs. Tour arrangements include:performance promotion, concert promotionland travel, accommodation and some meals, volunteer tour hosts,and sightseeing excursions. The concert tours will take place the week following the festival.Further information including costs will be made available on request.
Social Events - There are various barbecues, receptions, barbecues, street fairs and other social events for participants. Excursions will be made available at cost to experience the natural beauty of this area.
Accommodations - Accommodation is coordinated and allocated by the festival and include home stays, hotels and basic dormitory. Accommodation is limited to singers, conductor, accompanist and one accompanying adult per ten singers for children and youth choirs. Because of limited accommodation, other persons wishing to attend the festival will be housed after festival participants have been accommodated.
Past Festivals Past participants All of the Participating Choirs and Their Placings 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000.Jurors Honored Jurors from past Festivals 1984-2000
Newsclippings from 1996 July 3, 1996 Seventh Kathaumixw called a successJuly 3, 1996 Festival Excitement Remains Monday July 8, 1996 Polish Juror Fulfills Dream of Bringing Choir to Fest. Monday July 8, 1996 Jitters come after performance for top choirs Monday July 8, 1996 People make Festival Special July 11, 1996 Behind the scenes at Kathaumixw July 11, 1996 Powell River Soloist Places Second July 11, 1996 Kathaumixw '96 ends on note of world harmony Competition results from past Kathaumixw competitions 1996 1998 Competition Results and photos 2000 Competition Results and photos2002 ENTRY PROCEDURES
Choir Applications: Choirs applying to participate in the festival must use the Kathaumixw application form.
Application forms must reach the office of the International Choral Kathaumixw on or before November 1, 2001.
The following must be submitted with the application form: a short biography of the choir (maximum 100 words) and conductor (maximum 75 words)a recent recording of the choir photograph of the choir photograph of the conductor Acceptance. The festival committee will notify choirs whether or not they are accepted as participants by December 15, 2001. Artistic and other factors play a role in the decisions of the committee.
There will be a maximum number of choirs per category and a limited number of entries per country.
Confirmation Choir must confirm their participation in writing by January 15, 2002. A deposit of 50% of the total registration fees must accompany this confirmation. If the confirmation and payment are not received by the due date, the festival reserves the right to accept another ensemble on the waiting list.
Registration Fee Choirs and soloists must pay a $150 CDN registration fee per participant. "Participants" include singers, conductor, accompanists, manager, and chaperones. The registration fee covers the cost of concert tickets, competitions, social events, transit pass, swimming pool pass, a copy of the festival program and other festival activities.
Obligations - Each participating choir is obliged to participate in the planned Schedule for the whole festival period July 2 - 6, 2002; to waive all rights associated with radio or television broadcasting and audio and video recordings; to waive all rights to any form of financial compensation Music Choirs entered in choral competitions; must provide three copies of their selected music to the secretary of the International Choral Jury 15 minutes prior to the competition. The Festival will retain one copy. Accepted choirs will receive one copy of each of the common songs to be learned by all choirs. Choirs are responsible for obtaining additional copies. Photocopying without permission is a violation of international copyright law.
Competitors using unpublished compositions or music in manuscript form must provide written authorization for its use from the copyright owner.
Vocal Solo Applications: Vocal soloists applying to participate in the festival must use the Kathaumixw application form.
Application forms must reach the office of the International Choral Kathaumixw on or before April 15, 2002.
Each choir may enter up to 5 soloists. Competitors must meet the age requirements specified in the competition categories.
Music Soloists entered in the vocal solo competitions must provide one copy of their selected music to the secretary of the International Vocal Solo Jury 15 minutes prior to the competition.
Competitors using unpublished compositions or music in manuscript form must provide written authorization for its use from the copyright owner.
2000 Kathaumixw snap shots"
Every two years in early July, the International Choral Kathaumixw Festival takes place in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada, featuring choral and solo competitions, concerts and seminars. Kathaumixw is a Salish word meaning: "a gathering together of different peoples". In 1984 the first international choral festival was held in North America - it was the International Choral Kathaumixw. Organized by Don James and Dal Matterson at the suggestion of Don James who had often taken his choirs to choral festivals in Europe and wanted to open up the North American continent for similar events. Since 1984 the International Choral Kathaumixw has taken place every two years. Approximately 1200 singers gather from North and South America and Australia to Europe, Asia, Africa to share their singing, customs and language. To quote Don James, Music Director of Kathaumixw, "it is one of the few prestigious choral competitions in the world where singers can compare themselves with others and learn new ideas and techniques from other choirs and from the jury." From its inception the International Choral Kathaumixw has had prestigious jury members. In its fourteen year history Kathaumixw has commissioned several works by Canadian and foreign composers including staged choral works. The Festival involves many of the citizens of Powell River who generously open their homes to the overseas visitors as well as volunteering before and during the event. Volunteers are a large part of the great success Kathaumixw has enjoyed. Many of the choirs choose to arrive by ferries from Vancouver traveling through breath-taking scenery on water and land. The citizens of this small town have realized tremendous pride in hosting the International Choral Kathaumixw. This week of music every two years has become an event to write about here and abroad and to have Powell River recognized in all parts of the world as a choral centre is very exciting. International Concerts Kathaumixw presents 20 International Concerts during the Festival. Participating choirs perform in a minimum of two and a maximum of four concerts. In most cases choirs share concerts with other participating choirs. Common Singing Each day all choirs rehearse together a common repertoire which is performed in the Gala Closing Concert. These rehearsals are led by members of the distinguished choral jury. Conductors Round Tables Informal round table discussions are held for conductors every lunch to discuss repertoire, trends and techniques and to share ideas from many countries. The round table discussion leaders include outstanding choral conductors and jury members. Competition Participating choirs and soloists may enter various competitions. The competitions are for amateur choirs and singers and are judged by an internationally renowned jury. First and second prizes are awarded in each category. First prize and special prize winners perform in the Gala Closing Concert. Categories include: Category 1 101 Children's Choir (maximum age 16)102 Youth Choir SSA (maximum age 25)103 Mixed Choir104 Equal Voice Choir (male/female over 18 years of age) Category 2 201 Chamber Choir For vocal groups of not less than six and not more than sixteen singers performing two contrasting works; one from the sacred and one from the secular repertoire. 202 Contemporary Choral Music For choirs performing two 20th century compositions displaying innovative and important 20th century compositional techniques. 203 Folk Music For choirs performing two contrasting traditional folk songs or folk song arrangements from the choirs own country. Authentic costumes, instruments may be used where appropriate. Category 3 301 Vocal Solo (maximum age 16)302 Vocal Solo (maximum age 21)303 Vocal Solo (over 21 years of age).Soloists must sing two contrasting works: one from the classical and one from the sacred repertoire. Choirs may participate in the Festival without entering the competition. Obligations Each participating choir is obliged:to participate in the planned Schedule for the whole festival period.to waive all rights associated with radio or television broadcasting and audio and video recordings.to waive all rights to any form of financial compensation. Concert Tours - The Festival organizes concert tours throughout the Pacific Northwest for interested visiting choirs. Tour arrangements include:performance promotion, concert promotionland travel, accommodation and some meals, volunteer tour hosts,and sightseeing excursions. The concert tours will take place the week following the festival.Further information including costs will be made available on request. Social Events - There are various barbecues, receptions, barbecues, street fairs and other social events for participants. Excursions will be made available at cost to experience the natural beauty of this area. Accommodations - Accommodation is coordinated and allocated by the festival and include home stays, hotels and basic dormitory. Accommodation is limited to singers, conductor, accompanist and one accompanying adult per ten singers for children and youth choirs. Because of limited accommodation, other persons wishing to attend the festival will be housed after festival participants have been accommodated. Past Festivals Past participants All of the Participating Choirs and Their Placings 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000.Jurors Honored Jurors from past Festivals 1984-2000 Newsclippings from 1996July 3, 1996 Seventh Kathaumixw called a successJuly 3, 1996 Festival Excitement Remains Monday July 8, 1996 Polish Juror Fulfills Dream of Bringing Choir to Fest. Monday July 8, 1996 Jitters come after performance for top choirs Monday July 8, 1996 People make Festival Special July 11, 1996 Behind the scenes atKathaumixw July 11, 1996 Powell River Soloist Places Second July 11, 1996 Kathaumixw '96 ends on note of world harmony Competition results from past Kathaumixw competitions 1996 1998 Competition Results and photos 2000 Competition Results and photos2002 ENTRY PROCEDURES Choir Applications: Choirs applying to participate in the festival must use the Kathaumixw application form. Application forms must reach the office of the International Choral Kathaumixw on or before November 1, 2001. The following must be submitted with the application form: a short biography of the choir (maximum 100 words) and conductor (maximum 75 words)a recent recording of the choir photograph of the choir photograph of the conductor Acceptance. The festival committee will notify choirs whether or not they are accepted as participants by December 15, 2001. Artistic and other factors play a role in the decisions of the committee. There will be a maximum number of choirs per category and a limited number of entries per country. Confirmation Choir must confirm their participation in writing by January 15, 2002. A deposit of 50% of the total registration fees must accompany this confirmation. If the confirmation and payment are not received by the due date, the festival reserves the right to accept another ensemble on the waiting list. Registration Fee Choirs and soloists must pay a $150 CDN registration fee per participant. "Participants" include singers, conductor, accompanists, manager, and chaperones. The registration fee covers the cost of concert tickets, competitions, social events, transit pass, swimming pool pass, a copy of the festival program and other festival activities. Obligations - Each participating choir is obliged to participate in the planned Schedule for the whole festival period July 2 - 6, 2002 to waive all rights associated with radio or television broadcasting and audio and video recordings to waive all rights to any form of financial compensation Music Choirs entered in choral competitions must provide three copies of their selected music to the secretary of the International Choral Jury 15 minutes prior to the competition. The Festival will retain one copy. Accepted choirs will receive one copy of each of the common songs to be learned by all choirs. Choirs are responsible for obtaining additional copies. Photocopying without permission is a violation of international copyright law. Competitors using unpublished compositions or music in manuscript form must provide written authorization for its use from the copyright owner. Vocal Solo Applications: Vocal soloists applying to participate in the festival must use the Kathaumixw application form. Application forms must reach the office of the International Choral Kathaumixw on or before April 15, 2002. Each choir may enter up to 5 soloists. Competitors must meet the age requirements specified in the competition categories. Music Soloists entered in the vocal solo competitions must provide one copy of their selected music to the secretary of the International Vocal Solo Jury 15 minutes prior to the competition. Competitors using unpublished compositions or music in manuscript form must provide written authorization for its use from the copyright owner. 2000 Kathaumixw snap shots
Page Update: October 05, 2004