Every year, the PRISMA Festival & Academy unites world-renowned guest artists with top international music students for two weeks of musical exploration by the sea. Only here can you see an 80-piece symphony take shape right before your eyes, along with guest appearances by members of the LA Phil, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra & more.
PRISMA stands for Pacific Region International Summer Music Association. Since the very first PRISMA Festival held in 2013, our organization has mentored over 500 students from 32 countries. Some have gone on to win principal positions in professional orchestras around the world; others enjoy busy careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and instructors. Many attend our PRISMA Academy on a full scholarship, thanks to the incredible generosity of Musical Merit Fund donors.
We aim for PRISMA to be the classical music festival of choice for professional musicians, high-quality students, and diverse audiences. Our collaborative environment nurtures both professional development and community engagement.
PRISMA wishes to acknowledge the Tla’amin Nation, on whose ancestral territories we gather each summer for two weeks of inspiring music-making.
In summer 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, PRISMA produced a series of livestream video broadcasts entitled PRISMA on the Couch. Equal parts educational and entertaining, these 16 episodes are a great way to get a feel for what we offer in-person every June. Enjoy interviews with alumni and guest artists, go behind the scenes in our virtual classroom, and watch never-before-seen concert footage from the PRISMA archives. It’s truly the next best thing to being with us in person!
“PRISMA is unique in a way that it really concentrates on orchestral experience for the students. The vibe is laid-back yet always busy, which is a good balance for students to prepare for the next stages in their lives. Also, the wall between teachers and students is very low – almost non-existent. Beyond knowledge, there is a lot to pass on that is important in life and as a human being, and PRISMA is particularly nurturing in this aspect.”
“Bringing musicians to Powell River from all corners of the world makes not just Powell River, but the world, a better place. PRISMA adds an extra dimension to the already well-rounded cultural scene of the Powell River Region, and demonstrates what a small, isolated community can accomplish.”
“The residents of Powell River, BC were one of my favourite parts of the festival. Just seeing the joy, excitement, and support that these people gave to the festival was amazing, and performances were made so much more enjoyable by the enthusiasm of the audiences.”
