Event Details
What is PRISMA?
PRISMA stands for Pacific Region International Summer Music Association. Every year, the festival attracts world-renowned guest artists and top international music students. PRISMA draws over 5000 concertgoers from BC and beyond to daily musical events, symphony and chamber music concerts, master classes and student recitals. The PRISMA Festival Orchestra, the highlight of the festival, performs four full symphony concerts. An update on PRISMA 2021:
The PRISMA Festival & Academy has gone fully digital for 2021, welcoming you online to witness the immense talents of our Students and Guest Artists up close. Join us daily in the virtual classroom and concert hall – June 14 to 27.
All events are FREE! Check out the schedule here.
Symphony Concerts
The PRISMA Festival Orchestra performs four full symphony concerts.
The Gala Grand Opening Concert is the launch for the fantastic music that will be heard that evening as well as throughout the entire festival. Guest artists and students perform a wide variety of exciting repertoire. This concert also gives concertgoers the first glimpse of the full PRISMA Festival Orchestra featuring students from all over the world.
Enjoy PRISMA on the Beach from the comfort of your lawn chair at Willingdon Beach. Experience classical music, popular themes from TV and the movies, and plenty of food and fun overlooking the shimmering shores of the Strait of Georgia.
Don’t miss our finale concerts which bring together the magical sound of the full orchestra playing pieces with strong story lines. Also taking the stage will be the two finalists of PRISMA’s Concerto Competition. Which instruments will they play? Who will be named the winner? Join us to find out!
Concerto Competition
All accepted PRISMA students may take part in our Concerto Competition. The two finalists perform with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra at the gala closing concert.
The prize is an opportunity to play internationally with an Orchestra (soon to be decided), awarded to the winner of the competition as judged by the international jury.
Masterclasses & Limelight Concerts
Limelight Concerts will 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.
During the master classes 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.
Masterclasses and Limelight Concerts are $5 daily admission (free for youth and pass-holders) and take place at the Evergreen Theatre (5001 Joyce Avenue).

PRISMA for Kids
PRISMA is pleased to offer special access to concerts and events for youth under the age of 18. This includes:
- Discounted concert tickets (while quantities last)
- Free access to all masterclasses & limelight concerts
- Exclusive access to orchestra rehearsals for school classes

PRISMA on the Beach
The Rotary Bandshell at Willingdon Beach Park is the site of our annual PRISMA on the Beach concert, which entertains thousands of music-lovers from Powell River and beyond. Located in the heart of the city, the park offers a campsite, wharf, fishing pier, playground, museum and other amenities overlooking gorgeous ocean views of the Strait of Georgia. A popup village of vendors and artists at the event will ensure that there are plenty of dining options to suit your tastes, and the opportunity to pick up a local souvenir or two!

Tickets
PRISMA offers individual tickets as well as festival passes.
Festival Passes
If you’d like to look into a festival pass which gives you access to every PRISMA event including masterclasses & limelights please click here.
Individual Tickets
If you’re interested in purchasing tickets for a specific concert please click here.

Looking for a more in-depth look at this year’s events?
Check out the 2021 concert schedule.