Greetings!
Happy Spring! We hope this edition of the PRISMA Newsletter finds you well.
Below, you will find an update on festival ticket sales, an upcoming benefit concert for Ukraine, and the installation of our three our newest PRISMA Fellows. Plus, two videos to enjoy! We'd also like to introduce you to one of the newest members of our team, operations manager Arlan Smallwood.
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Maestro Arthur Arnold resigned from the Moscow Symphony Orchestra on March 1 |
"It is with the greatest conviction and with an immense sadness that I resign from my position as music director of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Russia, effective immediately," he wrote. "My heart goes out to the people in Ukraine and everyone suffering from this needless war. I am proud to join with the countless people across the world who are raising their voices and taking a stand." Full statement here. Radio interview here. Peak News article here. Globe and Mail article here. |
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qathet for Ukraine – A Benefit Concert on April 2 |
A PRISMA project in collaboration with Powell River Academy of Music and Rotary Clubs of Powell River. Featuring local entertainers. Program will be posted soon.
Saturday, April 2 – 7:00 PM PST
Evergreen Theatre, Powell River Recreation Complex
Free admission by donation at the door. Donations will be collected by the Rotary Club of Powell River; tax receipts for larger donations available. (Suggested minimum donation: $30.)
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An update on ticket sales & office hours |
We are excited to announce that ticket and pass sales for the 2022 PRISMA Festival (our spectacular 10th anniversary!) will open to the general public in April, with a head start for members. For questions or inquiries in the meantime, please email us.
Repertoire will include Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, and great masterworks by Boulanger, Mozart, Smetana, and more. Click here for a full list.
Our office in Powell River Town Centre Mall remains closed at this time. (In fact, we are moving to a different location just a few doors down. Stay tuned for the big reveal next month!)
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Lafayette String Quartet will return to PRISMA this summer |
Ann Elliott-Goldschmid, Sharon Stanis, Joanna Hood and Pamela Highbaugh Aloni – all members of the Lafayette String Quartet, based in Victoria – have recently been confirmed as PRISMA guest artists for 2022. As you may recall, they were our Artists in Residence at PRISMA 2021, and even hosted our academy at the University of Victoria for one week. We look forward to having them back in Powell River to coach our strings students and ensembles, and to perform their own public concert on Tuesday, June 14 at the Evergreen Theatre. |
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Excitement builds for the 2022 PRISMA Festival Orchestra |
Acceptance letters are going out to students as we speak. We are absolutely thrilled with the quality of the musicians who have applied this year, from top post-secondary music schools around the world. This year's festival, June 13-25, is going to be a spectacular return to live music in the qathet region! |
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Want to be a vendor at PRISMA on the Beach?
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Our 2021 Annual Report is now available for viewing |
Hot off the press, PRISMA's 2021 Annual Report is available for viewing on Issuu, or for download via our website. |
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PRISMA names three fellows to its Class of 2022 |
The Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) is pleased to announce the induction of three longtime volunteers – Lee Coulter, Michael Matthews and Liz Matthews – into the hall of PRISMA Fellows. PRISMA has awarded fellowships to outstanding builders and supporters annually since 2019, with six previous inductees. The latest presentations were made at PRISMA’s Annual General Meeting, held in person on February 11 at the ARC Community Event Centre in Powell River. Read more here. |
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Meet our new Operations Manager |
We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce Arlan Smallwood, PRISMA's new Operations Manager, with a role that encompasses several important areas from member services in our front office to the development and implementation of technical systems behind the scenes.
An avid traveller, Arlan holds a Master of Business Administration in Arts & Culture Management. He also operates his own consulting company, Kermode Art & Culture. Click here to read his full bio. |
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What is it about PRISMA that inspires you?
The unwavering community support. Powell River is a unique community that rallies behind causes it believes in. PRISMA is one of those causes. I’m looking forward to getting to know our donors and members over the coming years and hearing all of the wonderful stories they have about the history of PRISMA.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
A perfect day for me is one I can go to bed proud of. I’ve simplified my approach to life over the years to find happiness through gratitude, and purpose through service. I’m grateful to be a part of PRISMA and feel the work and experiences we provide for musicians and our community will lead to many days I’m proud of.
If you could meet anyone, from any point in time, who would it be and why?
Anyone, from any time. The most interesting people and inspiring stories can be found from anyone you cross paths with. Don’t let those chances to share some time with someone pass you by.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
Lot’s of people have a favourite food that they try anywhere it’s served. I know people that do this with tacos, tiramisu, or pizza. But for me, it’s Carbonara. The best one I’ve had so far was in Florence. I could eat that same dish forever.
What’s a trip that changed your life, and why?
An impromptu trip to Paris with a friend in university completely changed my life. In the span of a 7 day trip, my goals went from ascending in the financial sector to putting those same skills to work for arts & culture organizations. I hope to spend much more time there and in Europe in the future.
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Development Manager Rachel Rocco retires |
After four years, it's time to say goodbye to PRISMA's Development Manager, Rachel Rocco, who retired earlier this month. We're forever grateful for the energy and expertise she brought to her role, in addition to a noticeable expansion of funding resources. Rachel looks forward to coming back to PRISMA this coming June as a spectator!
Marketing & Multimedia Director Andy Rice will take over the position in a new and consolidated role as Development & Marketing Director.
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Hear violinists from 27 countries playing in solidarity with those in Ukraine. 94 musicians in total participated in this video, including PRISMA's festival director Daniel Bhattacharya who recorded his part at the office much to the enjoyment of our staff. See if you can spot him at around 0:50 – top right, third down. |
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Maestro Arthur Arnold (PRISMA's artistic director, and former music director of the Moscow Symphony from January 2012 – March 2022) brought his cello to centre ice at Hap Parker Arena on March 12 to play the Ukrainian and Canadian anthems.
Thanks to the Powell River Kings for sharing this video with us. |
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