Powell River Academy of Music’s International Choral Kathaumixw will be on the road again this summer and will be making a stop in the Shuswap.
The choir will perform at First United Church at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 11.
This year, First United Church will also host two choirs from Graz, Austria – the Singing Academy Graz and the Green Guys Graz.
The choirs are comprised of young people from one of the oldest comprehensive music and boarding schools in Austria.
The Singing Academy Graz choir has toured extensively, and participates regularly in musical productions, television, sports events and opera.
They have sang for the pope in Rome, the European parliament, the Queen of Belgium, Oscar winners, and trolls in Norway.
The Green Guys Graz is made up of 10 young men, who sing entertaining folk music and other selections. They have chosen the colour green as it is the national colour of their home province Styria, the green heart of Austria.
Their name is also derived from a common saying in Austria that young people are “green between the ears.”
Both choirs are conducted by Maria Fuerntratt, considered to be a national choral treasure of Austria. She is internationally known for performing with her choirs as well as judging at choral competitions.
The idea of Kathaumixw was the brainchild of Don James, C.M., music director of the Powell River Academy of Music.
He wanted to establish an international choral festival in North America that would be on par with festivals the Academy Choirs had experienced in Europe.
He was out hiking with his friend Dal Matterson, and inspired by the beauty of their surroundings. Don suggested to Dal that they organize a festival in Powell River. Dal agreed to be chairman of the festival, and in 1984 the two men, with a group of close friends, successfully organized and launched the first International Choral Kathaumixw. What happened next was beyond anyone’s expectations.
Since the first festival, which about 400 singers attended, International Choral Kathaumixw has taken place every two years. The festival almost doubled in size in 1986, and in 1988 it developed a definite international flavour. Today more than 1,200 singers from around the world gather at each festival to share their music, culture and friendship.
Admission at the door is $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors.
