Tour Week Overview

Choirs interested in participating in the Concert Tour Program should indicate as much on the application form.

At the very first International Choral Kathaumixw festival, there was a request to “send the music on.” That year, the Nyonza Singers of Uganda came to Powell River for the first time. Following the Festival, they asked festival organizers about arranging for their choir to tour other parts of British Columbia — the Kathaumixw Festival Tour Program was born.

Over the past 12 International Choral Kathaumixw festivals, the tour program has evolved into a complex and fabulously organized machine. Tours provide visiting choirs with an opportunity to extend their stay, and to experience more of Canada. It allows them the chance to see other parts of the province, and to share their music with other communities. In turn, members of those communities have the opportunity to experience talented choirs from around the world. The tour program takes place the week following International Choral Kathaumixw. Up to 12 choirs take advantage of the program and choose to tour each festival year. This program is designed at a reasonable cost for the holidaying pleasure of participating choirs.

Tour Regions include:

Vancouver Island; the city of Vancouver and the adjoining Lower Mainland area; the mountain village of Whistler; and the interior Okanagan Valley. All of these areas have been selected to ensure a lasting experience and will include some free time spent in Vancouver or Victoria. Well-equipped, comfortable highway coaches transport choirs from one location to another. Because of Powell River’s location, travel includes two ferry trips through scenic, coastal waterways.

Tour Arrangements:

The concert tours are individualized to choirs and are usually scheduled for six days. Shorter concert tours of two to five days may also be arranged. Powell River volunteer guides accompany all tours.

Accommodation:

Overseas choirs are billeted in private homes and North American choirs stay in hotels and motels.