Kathaumixw founder reflects on qathet region festival's origins

Accomplishments of Don James, the founding artistic director (emeritus) of International Choral Kathaumixw (pronounced Ka-thou-mew) are many. However, probably his most revered achievement is his ingenuity and ability to create connections between musicians from across the globe.

Also founder of Powell River Academy of Music (now artistic director emeritus), he has mentored thousands of students, encouraging them to follow their dreams of music and travel the world.

For more than 37 years the conductor and music educator has called Powell River his home. The prominence and greatness of choral festivals he witnessed in Europe influenced him to begin building what is, in the Tla’amin language, Kathaumixw, “a gathering together of different peoples.” The name was gifted to James and the festival committee by Tla’amin Nation elders after much consultation many years ago. 

When the festival first began, “the name Kathaumixw became a real draw to the festival; people couldn’t pronounce the name and didn’t know what it meant; it inspired people to attend,” said James.

What entices people to the festival now, is music sung by the exceptional choirs travelling from all over the world, he added.

“This year there will be a variety of music and great inspiration in what they perform,” said James.

Every year a First Nations carver is invited to create a piece which is then given as an award to the singers who win the competition. For the novice choir singer or audience member, they may not realize that every year, choral and choir singers are competing, travelling and performing for audiences all around the world.

James has been a juror for the CBC National Choir Competition, Międzyzdroje Festival of Song in Poland, the national choral competitions of Sweden and the World Choir Games in Korea and in China.

For participants who sing in competitions the experience for them is usually transformative. During International Choral Kathaumixw, it’s not unusual for singers to create special bonds with fellow competitors as well as local volunteers and those who may open their homes to choir guests.

This year’s festival not only includes songs, but will also include guest conductors, an artist in residence, Kathaumixw Brass Ensemble, plus pianist, trumpeter and accordionist Walter Martella, who is the festival’s artist in residence and artistic director. Choirs will perform and compete from July 4 to 8, culminating in a giant choir performance closing night.

The festival’s Thunderbird logo was created by local artist William D. Finn.