Anyone who still has a calendar marked for this year’s Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) Festival, June 15 to 27, may want to keep it that way. While all physical events are still on hold amid restrictions on large gatherings and international travel, organizers have been hard at work on a digital project designed to cushion the blow of COVID-19.
Known as PRISMA on the Couch, this nightly variety hour will feature past recordings of orchestral and chamber music performances, engaging interviews, educational content, historical highlights, behind-the-scenes access, as well as brand new studio segments and solo performances recorded from a safe social distance.
“We decided we are not going to fall silent or be the victims of a pandemic; we are going to accept this challenge and use it as an opportunity to reach people in new, creative ways,” said PRISMA artistic director Arthur Arnold. “Music connects and inspires, and we need it more than ever.”
A fact not widely known, PRISMA has been recording rehearsals, masterclasses and performances since its inception in 2013. Originally intended just for archival purposes, the organization is now serendipitously sitting on a mountain of content, of which Arnold and marketing manager Andy Rice have been carefully sorting through. Filmmaker Claudia Medina is assisting in the creation of new segments, as well as the hosted portion of each broadcast.
“One of the things that makes me the most excited about this project is that people are finally going to see some of this footage and be able to relive so many great musical moments from the past,” said Rice. “We’ve also tied things right back to the present, checking up on the various students and guest artists over Zoom and bringing their unique perspectives from all over the world.”
As one might expect, conducting on-camera interviews is a much different skill set than conducting orchestras, but Arnold and his colleagues have been enjoying the challenge.
“We are all learning new skills to be able to do things we usually don’t do, and yet there is so much similarity because it is still about connection and inspiration,” said Arnold.
In a normal year, the organization would be gearing up to welcome 80 pre-professional musicians from all over the world to form a one-of-a-kind symphony orchestra guided by 20 guest artists from the finest ensembles in Europe, North America and beyond. Being no ordinary year, PRISMA’s academy division has also been forced to adapt to the current landscape. Over the past few weeks, guest artists have been offering virtual masterclasses to students, highlights of which will be aired in the daily broadcasts.
“The mission of PRISMA hasn’t actually changed at all,” said Rice. “What’s changed are the tools we’re using to get it done.”
All students accepted to PRISMA 2020 were given the opportunity to take part, with their spot also waiting for them at the next physical iteration of the festival.
“In the meantime, we are providing lessons, and giving students the opportunity to connect with very experienced musicians all over the world,” said Arnold. “PRISMA on the Couch will create a special chapter in the organization’s history book.”
Rice said it gives PRISMA a brand new way to say thank you to its generous supporters in Powell River and beyond.
“We hope these episodes bring people some joy, and also fill some of the void being left by the absence of large concerts and gatherings right now,” he added.
With much uncharted territory still ahead in terms of editing and filming, Rice was asked if PRISMA on the Couch will be ready for its online debut.
“We’re right on track,” said Rice. “Sofa so good, pardon the pun.”
PRISMA on the Couch will consist of 10 episodes set to air weeknights at 7 pm beginning June 15 on PRISMA’s Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as Shaw TV in Powell River. For more information, go to prismafestival.com/livestream.
