We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce Daniel Bhattacharya, PRISMA's new Festival Director – the overseer of our festival operations.

Daniel has been involved in the arts his entire life, as both a musician and administrator. Musically, he was a violinist in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (UK), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (UK), among others. Commercially, Daniel has been involved in over 400 Hollywood soundtracks. For 10 years he was also co-founder and Festival Director of South Downs Summer Music International Festival. He and his family recently relocated to Canada. Click here to read his full bio.

I did a fellowship at the RCM Toronto in 1994 and completely fell in love with the country. Coming from London, UK I found there was more time and definitely less frenetic! I then went on a trip to Vancouver and the surrounding areas and was completely blown away! I always knew I would move over at some point and started making plans in 2016.

I guess it would have to be a trip to Mexico in 2008. I had just left the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (UK) but decided to do one last tour. (I had just started a new teaching position but thought it would be fun as it was only ten days and four concerts. Very rare for UK orchestral schedules!) Anyway, on that trip there was a young violinist in my section and we began talking. We got married ten months later and now have three children!

I've travelled a lot and have had some very interesting experiences in Russia, India, South America etc. but I think selling my house in March 2021 and moving over to Canada in the middle of a pandemic with my family was probably the most daring. From constantly-changing COVID restrictions, to the plane's destination being altered, to not being sure exactly where we were going, to arranging eighty boxes to be sent from the UK to Canada... (We didn't even know what address to give.) Funnily enough, we are still awaiting our stuff to arrive because of all the global supply issues!

The festival is unique in many ways. For a start it is based in a spectacular part of the world! That fact that it is not just inspiring young musicians but preparing them for the profession, practically is important. Many of the participants are at a vitally important stage of their careers and the festival has the ability to help them achieve their dreams. The fact that it engages so many people locally is something special. It is obvious they love the music and the atmosphere that the festival creates. Everyone I have met in Powell River has only positives about the festival and what it brings into the community.

For me, it's about what sort of world we would like to live in. The arts are something that deliver so much joy to so many people that the thought of not going to see a film, concert, gallery or show seems alien! Fortunately, many people agree with this. It's all very well to look after your body and bank account but something has to look after your soul.