Imagine a place where nature abounds, and music fills the air. Imagine a place that is warm, not only in climate, but in atmosphere. Imagine a place where language poses no boundaries, a place where people of different cultures and countries come together to share the common language of song. Imagine International Choral Kathaumixw.

Kathaumixw (pronounced Ka-thou-mew) is the word in the local First Nation’s (Sliammon) dialect that means “the gathering together of different peoples.” The festival that carries this name can certainly be described as a gathering. Every second summer more than 2000 people congregate in the small coastal town of Powell River to make and share their passion for choral music. Choirs and conductors from countries around the globe participate in this event. International Choral Kathaumixw features international concerts, common song singing, conductors’ round tables, workshops, seminars, choral and vocal solo competitions, extension concert tours, and social events.

Powell River is the perfect setting for an international festival that focuses on beauty and peace. It is a quiet town on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is nestled in temperate rainforest, and surrounded by pristine lakes, gorgeous coastline and magnificent mountains.