Recently retired CBC radio personality Mark Forsythe will be on stage for the Gala Opening Concert of International Choral Kathaumixw 2016.
“People around the world know about Powell River because of Kathaumixw,” says Forsythe. “I’m excited about my first visit to this international festival of voices; a wonderful expression of the creativity of the people of Powell River.”
Kathaumixw artistic director Paul Cummings said he continues making changes to the opening concert after instituting some that were well received in 2014.
“This time around there are even more spectacular changes,” says Cummings, “as well as additions to the program.”
Cummings says changes happen right at the beginning with the traditional choirs entrance; he describes it as “having an Olympics flavour.”
He has also been working with members of Tla’amin Nation, including carver Craig Galligos, to enhance the welcoming of the 2016 totem, awarded to the Choir of the World at Kathaumixw.
Powell River performers are practising for a special presentation under the direction of choreographer CaroleAnn Leishman.
“There’ll be a strong first nation’s component: fiddlers, Celtic dancers and other dancers performing to music written by composer Tobin Stokes,” explains Cummings.
In addition to the 60-voice festival choir, also performing are the professional jazz ensemble Novel Voz from Cuba, Fullerton College Chamber Singers from the United States and New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir.
Festival information can be obtained with a Kathaumixw app that can be downloaded from iPhone App Store or Google Play.
“A member of a New Zealand choir in 2004 works for a company that creates apps and he wanted to do this for us,” says Cummings. “It’s super cool.”
Cummings says he is watching the calendar daily as the opening comes closer. “Months of work will culminate over five days in July,” he says. “The opening concert sets the stage for all of Kathaumixw.”
International Choral Kathaumixw Gala Opening Concert
When: Tuesday, July 5, 8 pm
Where: Powell River Recreation Complex Great Hall
Price: $20/$29
Info: 604.485.9633, kathaumixw.org
