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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Sunshine Music Festival

August 30, 2025 @ 12:00 pm August 31, 2025 @ 12:00 am

On Labour Day weekend 2025, we invite you to dance your heart out under the towering trees framing our beachfront stage. Indulge in a refreshing swim, fill your belly with delicious food from our many local vendors, and take a wander of our artisan market to find that special treasure.

Check out our 2025 line up!

qathet, V8A 5C1 Canada + Google Map

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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PRISMA – Masterclasses & Limelight Concerts

June 16, 2025 @ 1:30 pm 5:00 pm

Come and watch the magic happen as specialists and students practice and perform every weekday afternoon 1:30-5pm. Admission is only $5 for the entire afternoon! Kids under 12 years of age are free!

During the Masterclasses, the passionate and talented emerging young musicians get instruction from the world class guest artists in front of the Festival audience’s eyes and ears. The audience watches the progress that is happening right there on stage.

Limelight Concerts feature both students and guest artists in unique configurations, playing the music that excites them the most. From solo tuba to chamber music ensembles, each 30-minute concert will be curated by a different member of the PRISMA Festival Orchestra or Guest Artist roster.

*If you’re planning to attend multiple afternoon programs and evening concerts, consider purchasing a Festival Pass for $125!

$5
5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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Gala Grand Opening – Premieres in Paris

June 19, 2025 @ 7:30 pm

PRISMA Festival

Premieres in Paris – PRISMA Festival Opening Concert

Kick off the PRISMA Festival with Premieres in Paris, a stunning evening of French music performed by the PRISMA Festival Orchestra, guest artists, and this year’s cohort of emerging musicians.

Conducted by Artistic Director Arthur Arnold, this elegant concert features Mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson, and works by Dukas, Gounod, Debussy, Ravel, and Berlioz.

Program highlights include:

  • Dukas – Fanfare from La Péri
  • Gounod – Petite Symphonie for Wind Instruments
  • Debussy – Trois Chansons
  • Ravel – Introduction et Allegro
  • Berlioz – Les Nuits d’été

Join us in welcoming PRISMA Festival students and celebrating the start of a two-week journey of world-class music and artistic collaboration.

Reserved seating – tickets required.

Experience the passion, precision, and energy of live classical performance as the PRISMA Festival opens in style.

5001 Joyce Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5R2 Canada
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