PRISMA Festival 2026

June 15 June 27

PRISMA Festival 2026

The PRISMA Festival returns to Powell River from June 15–27, 2026, bringing two weeks of world-class classical music, emerging talent, and unforgettable live performances to the qathet region.

Hosted annually in Powell River, British Columbia, the PRISMA Festival connects internationally renowned guest artists with top music students from around the world. Audiences can experience everything from full symphony concerts and chamber music to family-friendly performances and free community events.

At the heart of the festival is the PRISMA Festival Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Arthur Arnold, performing major orchestral works alongside guest soloists and competition winners. With nearly 50 events taking place throughout the festival, PRISMA offers something for seasoned classical music lovers and curious newcomers alike.

Festival Events

June 27 – PRISMA on the Beach – Free

June 17 – Concert Competition Finals – Pay What You Can

June 18 – Gala Grand Opening – Ticketed

June 19 – Week 1 Symphony Concert – Ticketed

June 20 – Sail to the Symphony Matinée – Ticketed

June 23 – PRISMA for Kids – Free

June 24 – Sinfonietta String Ensemble Concert – Pay What You Can

June 25 – Chamber Music Concert – Ticketed

June 26 – Week 2 Symphony Concert – Ticketed

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Music of the Night with qathet Symphony Orchestra

April 19 @ 2:00 pm


Experience Music of the Night, including selections from Phantom of the Opera; an orchestral version of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata; the Nocturne from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”; Vox Madrigal singing alone and with the Orchestra; some Fireworks Music; and a very special world premiere of a brand new piece by Roy Carson, featuring Barrie McDonald on solo Flugelhorn.
Save the Date for our Fall concert on Nov 29 2026

By Donation
5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Opera! Are You Kidding Me?

April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Opera, Are You Kidding Me? takes the stage at the Max Cameron Theatre with an evening of unforgettable music, powerhouse voices, and a refreshing sense of fun.

Featuring soprano Anne Grimm, tenor Benjamin Butterfield, baritone Alexander Dobson, violinist Jimin Shin Dobson, and pianist Frances Armstrong, this program blends beloved arias and duets with a few unexpected gems.

From Mozart and Verdi to Puccini, Bizet, and even Noël Coward, the evening moves seamlessly between grand opera and operetta in an intimate, entertaining atmosphere.

Joined by solo violin and piano accompaniment, these accomplished performers deliver a vibrant concert that makes opera feel bold, accessible, and anything but intimidating.

5400 Marine Ave
Powell River, BC V8A2L6 Canada
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604-483-3900
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Ian Maksin – Songs of Love & Peace

February 11 @ 7:00 pm

IAN MAKSIN in POWELL RIVER BC: SONGS OF LOVE & PEACE
New Album Concert Tour

SONGS OF LOVE & PEACE: an amazing multilingual journey in search of comfort, healing and empowerment through music. Get immersed in the deep sounds of Ian Maksin’s soulful one-man-cello orchestra, paired and blended with his vibrant voice, as he explores a collection of traditional songs from different corners of the world: Japan, Finland, Bosnia, Iran, Ukraine, Armenia, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Medieval France and Spain, woven together with original instrumental works.

His latest release reflects the path of a true musical globetrotter: a sonic offering shaped by countless journeys across continents as a touring artist, along with mountaineering, flying airplanes, practicing meditation, and collaborating with local musicians in search of the mystical thread that connects all cultures.

This album invites listeners into a space of presence, clarity, and emotional restoration. In addition to music from the new album, Ian will perform works from his earlier opuses—The Alchemist, Amor Renatus—as well as selections from his vast repertoire of over 300 songs in 43 languages.

With loop pedal and other electronics, he transforms the cello into an entire orchestra, merging timeless global traditions into an unforgettable, immersive, and deeply personal experience.

$17 – $45
7280 Kemano St
POWELL RIVER, BC V8A 1M2 Canada
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6044859633
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Darkness into Dawn – Sail to the Symphony Matinée

June 21, 2025 @ 1:30 pm

Darkness into Dawn – PRISMA Festival Matinée Concert

Can’t make it to the evening show? Join us for this special matinée performance of Darkness into Dawn, featuring the same powerful program as June 20.

The PRISMA Festival Orchestra, led by Arthur Arnold, performs two of Mahler’s most moving works: Kindertotenlieder, with mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson, and the dramatic Symphony No. 6. It’s a stirring, emotional journey—right here in Powell River.

We’ll also be welcoming over 300 visitors from Vancouver Island as part of our Sail to the Symphony tour, making this a truly memorable afternoon of music and connection.

Reserved seating – tickets required.
Catered Lunch & travel packages available – Limited packages left, act fast!

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Shadows Lifting – Movolov’s 3rd Symphony World Premiere

June 27, 2025 @ 7:30 pm

Finale – PRISMA Festival Closing Concert

Celebrate the grand finale of the 2025 PRISMA Festival with an unforgettable night of music, momentum, and firsts.

Be there as two standout student soloists—winners of this year’s Concerto Competition—take centre stage with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Arnold. Their performances mark a major milestone in their musical journeys and bring the full power of live orchestral collaboration to life.

The evening also features Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6, a work full of contrast, character, and surprises—and closes with the world premiere of Mosolov’s Symphony No. 3 (1958/59), a bold, long-lost piece finally brought to the stage for the first time.

This powerful concert is a celebration of musical excellence, new beginnings, and the thrilling future of orchestral music.

Reserved seating – tickets required.

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Darkness into Dawn – PRISMA Symphony Concert

June 20, 2025 @ 7:30 pm

PRISMA Festival 2025

Experience the emotional force of Mahler like never before. In Darkness into Dawn, the PRISMA Festival Orchestra, led by Arthur Arnold, takes on two of the composer’s most powerful works: Kindertotenlieder and Symphony No. 6.

Joined by mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson, this deeply moving program explores love, loss, and the human spirit—through music that is haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of orchestral music or simply curious, this concert promises a rare and emotional night of live performance.

Reserved seating – tickets required.

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Students in the Spotlight – Concerto Competition

June 18, 2025 @ 7:30 pm

PRISMA Festival 2025

Watch as 10 outstanding PRISMA students compete for the chance to take centre stage as soloists with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra in this year’s finale concert—featuring the world premiere of Mosolov’s Symphony No. 3.

General seating – admission by donation.
Repertoire and performers to be announced.

Come support the stars of tomorrow—and be part of the excitement as careers begin to take flight.

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Vienna Through Time – Chamber Music Concert

June 26, 2025 @ 7:30 pm

PRISMA Festival 2025

Vienna Through Time – Live Chamber Music at the PRISMA Festival

Think classical music isn’t your thing? Think again. Vienna Through Time is a unique chance to hear world-class musicians right here in qathet, playing music that’s dramatic, playful, intense, and unforgettable.

Performed by PRISMA Festival’s guest artists—musicians from top orchestras around the world—alongside some of the brightest young performers of the next generation, this concert takes you on a journey through the sounds of Vienna, a city that shaped the future of music.

Here’s what’s on the program:

  • SchönbergVerklärte Nacht
  • WebernConcerto for Nine Instruments, Op. 24
  • ZemlinskyHumoreske (Rondo) for Wind Quintet
  • SchubertThe Trout Quintet

Even if you’ve never heard of these composers, trust us—there’s something here to spark your curiosity. You’ll hear everything from bold and experimental to light and lyrical, performed live with incredible skill and energy.

Reserved seating – tickets required.

Come for the music, stay for the experience—and see what the PRISMA Festival is all about.

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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No Strings Attached – PRISMA 4 KIDS Concert and Fun-Fair!

June 24, 2025 @ 6:30 pm

PRISMA 4 Kids – A Family-Friendly Concert & Fun Fair

Kick off an unforgettable evening of music, imagination, and hands-on fun at PRISMA 4 Kids, a special event designed for children, families, and anyone young at heart.

The celebration begins with a free fun fair in front of the Evergreen Theatre. Try your hand at carnival-style games, enjoy tasty treats, and explore the instrument “petting zoo,” where kids can see, touch, and hear real orchestral instruments up close. Live entertainment includes toe-tapping tunes from the qathet Fiddlers and a magical storytime with Sonia Zagwyn from the Powell River Public Library.

After the fair, head inside for a relaxed, interactive concert featuring rising stars from the PRISMA Festival. The PRISMA Student Percussion Ensemble brings rhythm and energy to the stage, while the PRISMA Student String Quartet in Residence shares the beauty of chamber music in a way that’s accessible and fun for young listeners.

This event is a perfect introduction to the world of classical music, blending live performance with storytelling, musical discovery, and community connection.

General seating – admission by donation.

Come early, stay curious, and experience the joy of music at PRISMA for Kids!

By Donation
5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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