Kathaumixw 2010
Volunteers guarantee success
By Sandra Donnelly
This year, the 14th International Choral Kathaumixw will welcome 22 choirs from around the world. Hundreds of volunteers will work together to make this festival happen. Some will host visiting choir members in their homes; others will act as hosts of choirs that stay in hotels. The facilities volunteers do the huge job of setting up all the venues used during the festival and then take the lights, stages, and sound systems down after the festival is over.
Volunteers raise funds, put on barbecues, and arrange local transportation for the choirs. Then, the Kathaumixw Tour Group arranges tours for those choirs who wish to tour around the province. This year they are arranging 25 to 30 concerts in towns and cities around the province. In this way, Powell River shares the excellence of our world-renowned festival with the rest of our province.
Marianne Monahan, a long term volunteer, was asked to share one of her most memorable experiences with a visiting choir.
"Over the years it has been my pleasure to be the in-town host for many Kathaumixw choirs housed in local hotels. Each choir is a unique memory and I have chosen the Philippine Saringhimig Singers from San Francisco, California to tell you about."
"The choir was founded by Director George Hernandez in 1974 as a chamber choir at the University of the Philippines and travelled on several European tours. They rapidly gained recognition and received wonderful reviews and awards. The choir is now based in San Francisco."
"The choir arrived at the Marland Motel late in the afternoon of July 6, 2006. For the first time in my hosting adventures I invited the choir into our home for a late supper. It was a beautiful Powell River evening that certainly added to the festivities."
"Early that evening close to 40 wonderful folks arrived into our lives. The choir members, young and older adults, were road weary as they had been travelling from California for a few days. Their spirits soared, along with ours, as we met and ate supper and later sang several songs. We enjoyed a lingering sunset, and many also enjoyed the opportunity of walking on our beach. All instantly loved the ambience of the natural beauty of Powell River. The choir was so appreciative and happy to think we would arrange such an event on their behalf. It was a big thanks to my husband Bob, and friends Shirley Lambkin, and Nancy and Jim Betteridge that we were able to accomplish the welcoming party. Kathaumixw President Jim Donnelly and wife Sandra also stopped by to greet the choir and welcome them."
"Our work started the next morning, as the choir spent the week rehearsing and competing, and performing. At the same time they were meeting new people from the other Kathaumixw choirs and enjoying the local sights. This talented choir impressed the judges and placed first in the Chamber Choir competitions and second in the Mixed Choir category at the festival. The choir competed in five events and performed two formal concerts along with a Promenade Concert at the mall."
"The mall concert was toward the end of the week. The choir appeared in amazing full Philippine folk dress and their costumes were glitteringly bright and beautiful. The fortunate town folk who happened along were enthralled by the musicality of this wonderful choir and these happy and loving people. This was a wonderful Kathaumixw week to fondly remember."
Like Marianne, many people in Powell River have worked hard and had incredible experiences that will last a lifetime. Join us from July 6-10, when we can again share a marvellous experience and accomplishment.
Visit the festival website www.kathaumixw.org. If you would like to help with the festival or to buy tickets call the Academy of Music at 604 485-9633.
