Welcome
The International Choral Kathaumixw is a global gathering of choirs and conductors,
featuring international concerts, choral and vocal solo competitions, common song singing, conductors round tables, concert tours, social events, workshops, and seminars.
The International Choral Kathaumixw takes place in the picturesque seaside town of Powell River, British Columbia, Canada.
The film is filled with dynamic footage, candid interviews and explosive performances from the orchestra and selected choirs as well as special added features. Some of these performances were staged for our cameras only. To view an except click here To order your copy click here Choirs and individuals are invited to take part in the 2008 festival.
“A gathering together of different peoples.” When organizers chose the Sliammon name “Kathaumixw” (pronounced Ka-thou-mew) for their festival more than 20 years ago, they never dreamed how fitting a name it would be. Over the past two decades, International Choral Kathaumixw has become an illustrious event. More than 30 choirs from all over the world take part in each festival, which is held every second summer in the small town Powell River on the coast of British Columbia, Canada. International concerts, choral and vocal solo competitions, common song singing, conductors’ round tables, concert tours, social events, workshops and seminars are the focus of the festival. International Choral Kathaumixw is known not only for the high quality of its music, but also because of the philosophy that defines it. The festival brings together musicians and music lovers, and it celebrates music and music’s ability to bring peace to the world. The setting, a quiet town in the midst of a temperate rainforest overlooking mountains and ocean, is conducive to this philosophy. The Powell River community also does a lot to make the festival a memorable event. Hundreds of local people volunteer with Kathaumixw in one way or another. All overseas choirs are hosted with local families, which lends the festival a warm, welcoming feeling. Activities that are organized during the week, like seaside barbecues and spontaneous concerts, are attended by hundreds of community members. Many of the world’s most famous conductors, singers, orchestral figures, and musical leaders have participated in International Choral Kathaumixw over the years, including Erkki Pohjola (director of Finland’s esteemed Tapiola choir), Jean-Claude Wilkens (Secretary General of the International Federation for Choral Music), Fred Sjöberg (tenor soloist and conductor from Sweden) and Sally-Anne Russell (mezzo soprano from Australia). This is what they have to say about the festival:“Everyone should come; everyone should have the experience of
Kathaumixw.” “I’m the kind of musician that loves to explore and find new ways to
bring different people together in new ways. Kathaumixw was a wonderful
place to make this come true.” “Besides the festival and the atmosphere, Powell River is a nice place - it’s quiet and beautiful.” Jean-Claude Wilkens, France International Choral Kathaumixw is organized under the umbrella of the Powell River Academy of Music, home to the internationally acclaimed Powell River Academy Choirs. |
