Dutch born conductor Arthur Arnold, former music director of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, is known for his captivating performances as a popular, guest conductor with symphony orchestras around the world. As newly minted Canadian, Arthur has made his home in Powell River, and is the force behind bringing this globally extraordinary caliber of performance to our community.

Since 2013, under his baton, over seven hundred of the finest pre-professional, young classical musicians, including conducting students, have performed as part of the PRISMA Festival Orchestra. Arthur’s natural ability to lead, inspire and motivate aspiring musicians by creating a collaborative, supportive environment allows students to access their greatest potential. As an educator, Arthur challenges students to source their own passion and emotion and creates performances that rise above the ordinary.

"Arthur Arnold is one of the rare conductors who not only possesses a flawless technique, but also inspires the orchestra, giving the individual musicians creative freedom.” Shalom News Moscow

Melanie is a passionate and seasoned events and non profit professional. Having planned many events from weddings and corporate events, to large galas and conferences, she is looking forward to adding Festival to her list. Born and raised in Toronto, her love for events led her to live in various cities throughout Canada and New Zealand and finally settling in the magical town of Powell River. When she isn't planning and organizing you can find her on her paddle board, whipping up a new recipe, or hiking with her 2 dogs.
E-mail: executivedirector@prismafestival.com

Kim began her career as a bookkeeper in the 1990’s working for her own company. She started working in an accounting firm in 2000, and over the past 18 years, has provided financial services to numerous corporate, individual and charitable clients. Kim has a knack for designing bookkeeping systems to suit the particular organization, and loves to explore ways to make finance more understandable for everyone; she has even been accused of being passionate about it! Kim splits her time between Canada and the Netherlands and writes about her adventures in her travel-blog, Waking Up on the Roof.
E-mail: kstokes@prismafestival.com

Born and raised in Powell River, Andy's lifelong passion for music led him toward a Bachelor of Music degree from Capilano University in 2012. After several years gathering 'street smarts' as an educator, newspaper publisher and touring musician he's become in demand as an arts administrator, juggling his time between Vancouver, Powell River and various Canadian cities through his work with PRISMA, the British Columbia Choral Federation, Canadian Chamber Choir, Townsite Jazz Festival and more!
E-mail: development@prismafestival.com
E-mail: publicity@prismafestival.com

Yoanita was born in Surabaya, Indonesia. She plays violin, piano, and french horn. Her professional career in music started in Shanghai, China, where she obtained a diploma at Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2006 and a Bachelor of Art at East China Normal University in 2010. She was an assistant conductor at New Shanghai Orchestra. She returned to Indonesia and established her own music studio, Vivo Music Surabaya. She was also director, conductor, and music arranger for the youth orchestra community called Orkes Kota Pahlawan for seven years. She gained experience as a professional violinist and pianist at Bandung Philharmonic, Shanghai Philharmonic, YMCG, Cineclassic Trio, and has traveled to perform in Singapore, Italy, UK, and Hong Kong. She is now pursuing her master's degree in music education at the University of British Columbia. She was a student of PRISMA 2021 and is currently the Academy Manager.
Email: admissions@prismafestival.com

Garrett is a seasoned marketing professional bringing over a decade of diverse experience to PRISMA. His background is in product and brand marketing, however, he is excited to make the move to event marketing. He is passionate about the arts and expresses himself through music and photography. When he isn’t playing guitar or taking photographs he can be found hiking with his dog, rock climbing, free diving, gardening, and foraging in the pristine wilderness of Powell River.
E-mail: marketing@prismafestival.com

Linda moved to Powell River in 2018, leaving the bustle of Ontario for a more nature-filled life on the Sunshine Coast. As a former program manager in social services and marketing professional in educational publishing, she discovered a new passion working with volunteers when she took over coordinating the qathet international film festival in 2019. It has been such a rewarding way to get to know, and contribute to, her new community. Now, as someone who grew up playing classical piano and attending ballets and the symphony, she's thrilled to join the team at PRISMA!
E-mail: volunteer@prismafestival.com

Erika is thrilled to jump into the role of PRISMA's new Membership and Office Administrator. Beyond her office responsibilities, she cherishes moments with her husband and teenage children, finding joy in hiking, creating art, dining out, and actively supporting the local music and arts scene. Her lifelong passion for music, stemming from her formative years, fuels her dedication to the art form. Channeling her organizational skills, logistical prowess, and genuine connection with people, as well as her upbringing in Powell River, Erika brings a wealth of behind-the-scenes experience to PRISMA. A resilient and compassionate professional, she thrives on challenges, embodying the spirit of a tough-as-nails rockstar with a big heart.
E-mail: membership@prismafestival.com

Kim is an experienced project manager and event planner. She started with PRISMA as their events coordinator in 2015, growing the festival's celebrated PRISMA on the Beach event into what it is today. Since 2018, she has been the Festival's Operations Director. Kim also serves as the President of the Powell River Hospice Society, Chair of the Northern Sunshine Coast BC Ferries Advisory Committee, and an active volunteer with the Powell River Film Festival. In her free time, she enjoys walking in the local trails with her husband and three dogs. She loves Powell River's quiet, coastal lifestyle and the various arts and cultural events for which this community has earned a solid reputation.
E-mail: outreach@prismafestival.com