Powell River, B.C. — Longtime Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) board member John Silver was honoured earlier this month as the organization’s newest Fellow. The presentation took place at PRISMA’s Annual General Meeting held on January 9. Silver was part of the visionary team that founded PRISMA in the fall of 2012, and recently concluded a seven-year tenure on the board. He joins 2019 Fellows Sharon Thomas, Brian Balfe and Paul Schachter in a unique place of honour for PRISMA builders, which saw its first inductees last year. “John has tirelessly invested in the festival and academy in many different fields,” said PRISMA artistic director, Arthur Arnold. “A former UBC professor and a knowledgeable music aficionado, he handled our publicity portfolio for many years. In the early mornings one could find John out in the streets checking on the festival lawn signs, straightening them out, and occasionally mowing the grass around them to keep them visible. And then, in the evenings, one could find him on stage serving as our concert emcee.” Over the past seven years, Silver’s calm British baritone has become synonymous with the PRISMA experience. He also writes the repertoire notes each year for the souvenir program. And patrons needn’t worry – those roles are not going to change. In fact, Silver has already begun compiling material for the 2020 festival, which will run June 15-27 in Powell River. “John’s detailed research and public speaking abilities are now a part of the PRISMA brand,” said PRISMA president Mike Robinson. “He will continue to act as PRISMA’s concert host in 2020, providing superb introductory comments about composers and their masterworks for our 5,000 plus concert-goers.” During his induction, Silver was presented with a large print from Powell River photographer Robert Colasanto. Choosing to wait until he returned to Vancouver to unwrap it with his wife, Alexene, the two were delighted to discover an image that depicted Silver addressing a full audience with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra at his back. “I was taken completely by surprise with the award,” he said. “It was a great honour to receive such recognition. Being part of building PRISMA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The organization is in good hands and I look forward to its continued success.”

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