The PRISMA Festival (June 15–27, 2026)
Each June, the PRISMA Festival brings world-class classical music to Powell River for nearly two weeks of unforgettable performances, learning, and connection. The festival welcomes more than 5,000 concertgoers from across BC and beyond, drawn by an exciting lineup of symphony concerts, chamber music, special events, and inspiring student performances.
At the heart of the festival is the PRISMA Festival Orchestra, performing major symphonic works under the baton of Arthur Arnold. International guest artists, many from leading orchestras around the world, join faculty and students in powerful collaborations that make each PRISMA performance unique.
Ticket Information
Festival passes and tickets are now available online through the PRISMA website or in person at the PRISMA box office located in The Arts Hub at tiskʷat, found in the upper level of the Townsite Public Market. Our office is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am – 2pm.
We also invite you to enhance your PRISMA experience through membership. With a minimum donation of $50, you’ll help us continue presenting world-class music and enjoy the satisfaction of playing a vital role in our festival’s success.
2026 Festival Highlights
June 16 – Garneau String Quartet with Desmond Hoebig
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
The Garneau String Quartet, joined by acclaimed cellist Desmond Hoebig, presents a dynamic program featuring works by Missy Mazzoli, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Schubert.
• Missy Mazzoli – Enthusiasm Strategies
• Beethoven – String Quartet Op. 18, No. 5 in A major
• Schubert – String Quintet C major D. 956
June 17 – Concert Competition Finals
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Pay What You Can
Watch the final round of our 2026 Concerto Competition, featuring
10 Emerging Artists on various instruments of the orchestra playing a movement from a concerto of their choosing. Once again, the incomparable Dr. Alexandria Le will be at the piano.
A panel of judges selects one string player and one player from the other instrument groups to advance. In Week 2, these winners will perform their concerto with the full orchestra conducted by PRISMA conducting students.
June 18 – Gala Grand Opening
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
A celebratory musical sampler featuring guest artist chamber ensembles alongside the PRISMA Festival Orchestra. Modern fanfares, virtuosic percussion, and a beloved Vivaldi classic by candlelight.
• Tobin Stokes – Fanfare / Adventures of John Ware
• John Estacio – Overture
• Stockhausen – Zyclus no. 9 (Bill Linwood) 9. min
• Jean Françaix – Quartet for flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon
• Vivaldi Four Seasons
June 19 – Week 1 Symphony Concert
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
Program includes Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102, and Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique featuring violinist Gwen Hoebig (former concertmaster of the Winnipeg Symphony) and her brother cellist Desmond Hoebig (former principal cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; and former member of the Orford String Quartet.)
PRISMA Festival Orchestra
Arthur Arnold, Conductor
June 20 – Sail to the Symphony Matinée
1:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
Program includes Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102, and Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique featuring violinist Gwen Hoebig (former concertmaster of the Winnipeg Symphony) and her brother cellist Desmond Hoebig (former principal cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; and former member of the Orford String Quartet.)
PRISMA Festival Orchestra
Arthur Arnold, Conductor
June 23 – PRISMA for Kids
6:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Free
Our annual kids’ concert and fun fair, featuring PRISMA students and student conductors performing Peter and the Wolf with narrator Sonia Zagwyn from Powell River Public Library. Plus a special performance by Sinfonietta, from the VSO School of Music.
This event features an earlier start time and accessible program designed especially for young audiences and families. Everyone is welcome. Join us early in the lobby starting at 5:30 for a fun fair, musical instrument petting zoo, activity station, and snacks by donation.
June 24 – Sinfonietta String Ensemble Concert
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Pay What You Can
Sinfonietta is the VSO School of Music’s premier advanced youth strings ensemble, under the direction of Carla Birston.
From the grandeur of Handel and Bach to the cinematic magic of Morricone, this captivating evening features a program filled with elegance, drama, and unforgettable melodies.
June 25 – Chamber Music Concert
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
An evening of chamber music featuring PRISMA guest artists in new and exciting configurations.
• Elizabeth Raum – Suite for Woodwind Quintet (1982)
• Jocelyn Morlock – Blue Sun for violin and viola
• Elizabeth Raum – Bushwakker 6 pack
• Dvorak – Piano Quintet No.2, Op.81
June 26 – Week 2 Symphony Concert
7:30 pm | Evergreen Theatre
Tickets $35 (Under 18 free)
The program opens with Introduction and Three Folk Songs from “Canadian Mosaic” from Canadian composer Jean Coulthard, followed by performances by the Concerto Competition winners (works and soloists to be announced). The concert concludes with Holst – The Planets.
PRISMA Festival Orchestra
Arthur Arnold, Conductor
Concerto Competition Winners
Student Conductors
June 27 – PRISMA on the Beach
Willingdon Beach Park
Free
A FREE, family-friendly concert showcasing highlights from PRISMA’s 2026 repertoire. Hear the PRISMA Festival Orchestra and international guest artists play symphonic masterworks, music from “Star Wars”, and collaborate with singers and drummers from the Tla’amin Nation.
Bring your own blanket or lawn chair.
Food vendors open at 5pm; music starts at 6pm