Online registration is now open for fine arts performers who wish to participate in the 2024 qathet Festival of the Performing Arts that first took place in 1945.
The festival is open to amateur musicians, speakers and dancers of all ages who perform in piano, strings, vocal and choral, speech arts and band.
“We enjoy seeing youngsters and adults on stage, sharing their talents with our community,” said festival organizing committee chair Joyce Carlson, a member of the Rotary Club of Powell River, which has supported the festival with volunteers and funding since 2003.
As part of the 80th festival, Cuore Piano Trio will perform at a celebration concert on March 5 at Powell River Recreation Complex. It will be a collaborative endeavour between the festival and Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA).
Melanie Munroe, who recently joined the local Rotary Club and the festival organizing committee, is also PRISMA’s executive director. Through her efforts and those of Arthur Arnold, founder, music director and conductor for PRISMA, the special concert is being made possible.
“Live music has the ability to convey profound emotions and to connect people through shared emotional experiences,” said Arnold. “Whether it is through the delightful first performance of a child or through the awe-inspiring execution of a seasoned musician, both are equally vital.”
He has always been a great supporter of the Festival of the Performing Arts and said he is “thrilled about the collaboration between our organizations. Together we stand stronger.”
Part of the planning is to have concert tickets made available free of charge to all piano and strings participants.
“Our community is fortunate to have many music, dance and speech arts teachers who share their passion with their students, and parents who recognize the value of the performing arts in creating well-rounded human beings,” said Carlson. “In addition, we have lifelong performers who add their talents to our festival.
“We are grateful to the City of Powell River, School District 47, qathet Art Council, Powell River Academy of Music, qathet Regional District, Max Cameron Theatre and Powell River Recreation Complex staff for their support of our festival,”
The festival has received a grant for Rotary District 5040 to fund a legacy art piece to commemorate its 80 years. A subcommittee is working on details for what that art will entail, and more information will be available in January.
Festival registration is available at events.solarislive.com/PRFestival.
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