Help host the region’s biggest event

BY JOYCE CARLSON

Time flies when the world and your community is impacted by the effects of a global pandemic. Three years ago, COVID 19 resulted in a shutdown that caused the postponement of International Choral Kathaumix 2020.

“We didn’t realize then that it would be three years before we would again be able to host this important cultural event that first took place in 1984,” says festival administrator Carrie Lanigan.

Kathaumixw is a project of Powell River Academy of Music and the five-year gap since the last one in 2018 has been challenging to navigate. This year’s festival takes place July 4-8 and ticket sales begin April 4.

“Finally, we are ready to welcome choirs of the world once again to entertain our community along with local choirs,” adds hospitality coordinator Val Thompson.

She is responsible for arranging housing for North American and international choirs which have committed to attend.

“Hotels and other facilities have been booked and we have sent out requests to previous billet families and they are already responding that they want to host again,” adds Val.

Carrie explains that in the five years since the last Kathaumixw, there have been a lot of people who have moved to qathet region and who have not experienced the festival.

“We are looking forward to sharing the joy of choral music and invite them to welcome adult choir members into their homes as well as to attend various concerts in the five-day program.”

READY TO ROLL: International Choral Kathaumixw administrator Carrie Lanigan, left, and hospitality coordinator Val Thompson are in the midst of preparations for the 2023 event that is finally taking place after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

International Choral Kathaumixw administrator Carrie Lanigan, left, and hospitality coordinator Val Thompson are in the midst of preparations for the 2023 event that is finally taking place after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19

Both Carrie and Val have wonderful memories of billets they have hosted over the years as do many other billet families. They have formed strong bonds, visiting countries around the world, attending weddings and celebrations like the birth of a child or anniversaries.

“There’s something very special for billet families in helping choir members experience our community, connect with different people and being exposed to different cultures,” explains Val.

Billet families provide breakfast, a bagged lunch and dinner along with some transportation, says Carrie. They often coordinate with other billeting families from the same choir.

“I have found billet families very willing to help each other,” says Val.

In addition to the chance to billet choirs, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer with the festival itself.

After five years, Carrie is busy updating volunteer lists and seeking people to replace those who are not able to participate as they have in the past. “It’s a great opportunity for newcomers to our area to become involved with Kathaumixw which typically has had up to 500 volunteers helping out.”

The list of volunteers includes the academy board of directors, Kathaumixw organizing committee and venue managers for the Hap Parker Arena that is turned into the Great Hall, Evergreen Theatre, James Hall and Max Cameron Theatre. Also needed are ticket sellers and takers at the door, ushers, venue set-up, drivers for conductors and jury members, merchandize and program sales.

“We can’t put on Kathaumixw without our volunteers,” says Carrie, “as it takes a large effort to produce a festival of this magnitude.”

The festival office has sent out letters to all service groups and churches which often take on volunteer activities as a group or as individuals.

Can you volunteer for Kathaumixw?

An online volunteer form is accessible at kathaumixw.org. Carrie and Val (above) are happy to answer questions if people want to call the academy at 604-485-9633 or drop in to 7280 Kemano.