PRISMA Schedule 2027 (coming soon)

PRISMA 2026 Daily Schedule 

Here is the approximate daily schedule for the PRISMA Festival (the schedule may vary). You will receive the detailed schedule one or two weeks prior to the festival

09:00 – 12:15 Orchestra Rehearsal

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 17:45 Limelight concert/masterclass/sectional rehearsal/private class

17:45 – 18:30 Dinner

18:30 – 21:30 Concert/Concerto Competition/Workshop

Students will have a free day on Sundays

Individual practice rooms will open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You may practice if you have no schedule arranged during that time – each practice time is limited to one hour. Sign-up in advance is required each day. The complex closes at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Because individual practice time during PRISMA is limited, we ask that students come fully prepared to uphold our high-quality standards.

Arrival Information and How to Get to PRISMA (updated 2026)

PRISMA Festival 2027: June 13–26, 2027

PRISMA Festival takes place in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada.

All students must arrive on Saturday, June 12, 2027, one day before the festival begins, and depart on Sunday, June 27, 2027, one day after the festival ends.

There are four ways to travel to Powell River:

1. Fly to Vancouver and take a chartered bus to Powell River.
2. Fly to Vancouver and take a domestic flight to Powell River.
3. Fly to Comox and take a ferry to Powell River.
4. Drive to Powell River.

Please review the travel options below and choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

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Option 1: Fly to Vancouver and Take a Chartered Bus

PRISMA will arrange a chartered bus between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Powell River. The bus has approximately 54 passenger seats.

Arrival in Powell River

• Date: Saturday, June 12, 2027
• Departure point: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Departure time: Approximately 12:00 noon
• Bus fee: To be confirmed. The fee is not included in tuition or accommodation costs.

Please book a flight arriving at YVR before 11:00 a.m. on June 12 to allow enough time to collect your luggage and board the bus.

If your flight arrives earlier, you may wish to arrive in Vancouver on June 11 and stay overnight.

Departure from Powell River

• Date: Sunday, June 27, 2027
• Bus departure: Approximately 6:15 a.m.
• Estimated arrival at YVR: Approximately 1:00 p.m.

Please book your departing flight from Vancouver for 4:00 p.m. or later to allow enough time for check-in and other airport procedures. We recommend a later flight, especially for international travel.

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Option 2: Fly from Vancouver to Powell River

You may take a domestic flight from Vancouver to Powell River Airport (YPW).

Please note that flights to Powell River may depart from a different terminal or airport than your international flight. Allow sufficient time for transfers and check-in.

PRISMA will arrange airport pick-up and drop-off in Powell River for students using this option.

Arrival flights — June 12, 2027

Pacific Coastal Airlines

Flights depart from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal in Richmond and arrive at Powell River Airport (YPW). The currently listed departure times are: 7:45 a.m, 10:40 a.m, and 4:05 p.m.

Harbour Air

Harbour Air operates flights from Vancouver Harbour in downtown Vancouver to Powell River.

The June 12, 2027 schedule is to be confirmed. Please check Harbour Air for updates.

Departure flights — June 27, 2027

Pacific Coastal Airlines

Flights from Powell River Airport (YPW) to Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal are currently listed at: 8:45 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 2:25 p.m., 5:05 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Harbour Air

Flights operate from Powell River to Vancouver Harbour in downtown Vancouver. The June 27, 2027 schedule is to be confirmed.

Please check Harbour Air for updates.

Important: Vancouver Harbour and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are different locations. If you have a connecting flight, allow enough time to travel between them.

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Option 3: Fly to Comox and Take a Ferry

You may fly to Comox Airport (YQQ) and travel to Powell River by ferry.

Step 1: Fly to Comox

Book a flight to Comox Airport (YQQ). Airlines serving this route may include Air Canada, WestJet, and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Check current flight availability when booking.

Step 2: Travel to the ferry terminal

Take a taxi or rideshare from Comox Airport to the Little River Ferry Terminal. The journey is approximately 5 km and takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Step 3: Take the ferry to Powell River

Board the ferry from Little River Terminal to Powell River (Westview). The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Foot passengers generally do not need a vehicle reservation. Please check the ferry operator’s website for current schedules, fares, and boarding requirements.

Allow enough time between your flight arrival and the ferry departure.

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Option 4: Drive to Powell River

There are two main driving routes from Vancouver to Powell River. Both routes involve ferry travel.

Route A: Via the Sunshine Coast

This route follows the Sunshine Coast Highway (BC-101) and includes two ferry crossings.

Estimated travel time: Approximately 4 hours of driving and ferry travel, excluding additional waiting time at the terminals.

Step 1: Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver and take the ferry to Langdale. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes.

Vehicle reservations are recommended. Check the current ferry schedule before departure.

Step 2: Drive from Langdale to Earls Cove

Follow Highway BC-101 north through Gibsons and Sechelt to Earls Cove. The drive is approximately 84 km and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 3: Ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay

Take the ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay. The crossing takes approximately 50 minutes.

Step 4: Drive to Powell River

From Saltery Bay, follow Highway BC-101 north to Powell River. The drive is approximately 30 km and takes about 30 minutes.

Route B: Via Vancouver Island

This route travels through Nanaimo and Comox before crossing by ferry to Powell River.

Step 1: Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo

Drive to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and take the ferry to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Vehicle reservations are recommended. Check the ferry operator’s website for schedules and booking information.

Step 2: Drive from Nanaimo to Comox

Follow Highway BC-19 north to Little River Ferry Terminal in Comox. The drive is approximately 114 km and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Step 3: Ferry from Comox to Powell River

Take the ferry from Little River Terminal to Powell River (Westview). The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Please allow extra time for ferry check-in, waiting, and traffic. Travel times may vary depending on road conditions and ferry schedules.

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Before You Travel

• Confirm all flight and ferry schedules before booking.
• Book your flights and ferry crossings early, especially if travelling with a vehicle.
• Allow sufficient time for airport transfers and connecting flights.
• Check baggage allowances and travel requirements with your airline.
• Keep your travel itinerary and contact information accessible during your journey.

We look forward to welcoming you to the PRISMA Festival 2027 in Powell River!

Travel to Canada

Regarding travel to Canada, please ensure that you complete the visitor visa or eTA requirements for entering Canada: 

• This is the website to apply for an eTA: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html. You do not need to apply for an eTA if you need a visitor visa to enter Canada.

If you are bringing food, I thoroughly recommend that you declare it. Dried kinds of seafood are allowed, and meat products are restricted. Please check the restricted goods to enter Canada here.

(Please choose a flight that departs at 4 PM or later).

 

Canada Visa Information

Canada requires visas for citizens of certain countries. To attend PRISMA, students should apply for a visitor visa (not a study visa). To check if you require a visa, click here to search for your country’s specific requirements.

If you do require a visitor visa, PRISMA will provide a letter to include with your visa application. To request this letter, please send us an email to admissions@prismafestival.com.

We strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible as processing times can be lengthy. Check the current processing times here to ensure you receive your visa on time.

If your visa processing time exceeds 45 days, please contact us immediately to avoid delays.

 

 

Get to know more about Powell River.

This gorgeous location, combined with strong community support, is what makes our festival truly one-of-a-kind in the world. Powell River is located on the Pacific Ocean in western Canada. It is located on British Columbia’s scenic Sunshine Coast, 130 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Vancouver. To learn more about this special community, click here

In your free time, you will have an opportunity to explore this area. Students can hike, kayak, swim, or visit one of our many beaches. Click here for ideas.

PRISMA wishes to acknowledge the Tla’amin Nation, on whose ancestral territories we gather each summer for two weeks of inspiring music-making.

Festival Venue

One of the best parts about living in a smaller urban centre is that everything is nearby! PRISMA’s venue arrangements have been carefully planned to allow you to focus on your musical development and networking opportunities, while not missing a single second of scenery.

All of PRISMA’s festival sites are located in the heart of Powell River’s downtown district, boasting modern amenities amidst scenic beauty. The Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex is our main rehearsal and performance venue, located just a short walk from your hotel. From there, beaches, hiking trails and even shopping are just minutes away.

PRISMA has several venues for rehearsals, concerts, and lessons. All major concerts will take place at the Evergreen Theatre at the Powell River Recreation Complex (address: 5001 Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 5R2). All venues are within walking distance of the hotel and each other.

The Evergreen Theatre

The Evergreen Theatre has been serving the city of Powell River since 1975 as its largest and most versatile performing arts facility. It is located within the Powell River Recreation Complex, which also includes two ice rinks, a pool, fitness centre, banquet facilities, and more. The 720-seat Evergreen Theatre plays host to all PRISMA rehearsals, masterclasses and evening concerts and is within convenient walking distance from the Town Centre Hotel. Other areas of the Complex are used for sectionals, rehearsals, meetings, and meals.has been serving the city  of Powell River since 1975 as its largest and most versatile performing arts facility. It is located within the Powell River Recreation Complex, which also includes two ice rinks, a pool, fitness centre, banquet facilities, and more. The 720-seat Evergreen Theatre plays host to all PRISMA rehearsals, masterclasses and evening concerts and is within convenient walking distance from the Town Centre Hotel. Other areas of the Complex are used for sectionals, rehearsals, meetings, and meals.

The Rotary Bandshell at Willingdon Beach Park

The Rotary Bandshell at Willingdon Beach Park is the site of our annual PRISMA on the Beach concert, which entertains thousands of music-lovers from Powell River and beyond. Located in the heart of the city, the park offers a campsite, wharf, fishing pier, playground, museum and other amenities overlooking gorgeous ocean views of the Strait of Georgia. A popup village of vendors and artists at the event will ensure that there are plenty of dining options to suit your tastes, and the opportunity to pick up a local souvenir or two!

 

Festival Accommodation

Powell River Town Centre Hotel

Powell River Town Centre Hotel is conveniently located in the very heart of the city, near shopping, transportation, and business and recreation areas. It is also within walking distance from the Complex, where most PRISMA events and activities take place. Each room is 100% non-smoking and is equipped with air conditioning, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, a clock radio, a TV, and free movie channels. On site you will also find a restaurant and pub, which is frequented by students and guest artists as one of the social hubs of PRISMA.

All students who select to have their accommodations provided by PRISMA will be staying at the first-class Town Centre Hotel, which is located a short walk from concert and rehearsal spaces and local amenities. Standard accommodation is three students per room (two beds and one cot). Students who prefer two per room or a private room may request this for an additional cost. All beds are separate. PRISMA reserves the right to place students receiving scholarships in homestays or shared accommodations in order to offset hotel costs and make additional scholarship support available to other students.

Please note 3 in a room package is limited, first-come, first-served.

Hotel address:

Powell River Town Center Hotel

4660 Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 3B6

(604) 485-3000

What to Bring to PRISMA

1. You are expected to bring your instrument and auxiliary instruments (Piccolo, English Horn, Eb Clarinet.). Except for these instruments below:
   • 5 quality basses (please bring your own bow)
   • 2 Lyon & Healy concert grand harps (Style 85 and Chicago)
   • Contrabassoon
   • There are limited opportunities to rent a quality cello if traveling with your own cello is difficult.
   • PRISMA provides all percussion instruments, but students may bring their own mallets.
   • PRISMA provides music stands.
2. Please bring your printed music for individual practice and sectional rehearsal, as well as printed music for the chamber group.
3. Please bring extra thicker clothes/sweaters/jackets just in case – as the weather keeps changing. It will be a cool summer in Powell River. The weather is approximate: high/low 20°/ 11° or 52°F to 68°F.
4. The festival venue will be in the recreation complex, where they have a hot tub and pool; you may bring your swim gear if you are interested in getting into water activities (please note that admission is not free)
5. Bring some cash with you (not too much) – especially during PRISMA on the beach (Saturday, June 17) there will be lots of food trucks, and you can only pay with cash.
6. It is strongly encouraged that each student obtains travel/medical insurance for their stay in Canada

Concert attire:

You will participate in several performances during PRISMA, including Orchestral Concerts, Limelight Concerts, Masterclasses, and the Concerto Competition. Please bring clothing that aligns with the guidelines below.

Orchestral Concerts

The dress code for all mainstage orchestral performances is formal Concert Black. Musicians must wear all-black clothing from head to toe. 

You may choose any combination of the following items:

• Tops: Long-sleeved black dress shirt (with collar and buttons), black blouse, or black dress sweater.
• Bottoms: Floor-length black skirt, long black dress, or formal black dress pants/slacks (no denim, jeans, or leggings).
• Jackets (Optional): A formal black suit jacket or black tuxedo jacket may be worn.
• Accessories: Black socks or black hosiery must be worn. Neckties, bow ties, or cummerbunds are completely optional but must be solid black if used.
• Shoes: Formal, clean, closed-toed black dress shoes. 

Note: Please ensure your shoulders, midriff, and ankles are completely covered when seated or playing your instrument. 

Limelight Concerts & Masterclasses

• Attire: Smart casual all-black (e.g., a neat black shirt and black pants).
• Chamber Music: You are encouraged to discuss and coordinate a cohesive dress code variation with your specific chamber ensemble.

Concerto Competition

• Attire: This is your choice, but it must be formal.
• Finalists: If you are a finalist performing on the main stage, please be prepared with your highest level of formal performance wear

PRISMA on the Beach

• Attire: PRISMA t-shirt on top, black long pants or long skirt, comfortable shoes

Meals during the Festival

Meals at the 2026 PRISMA Festival will be served for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday. Please note that breakfast and meals on Sunday are not included in the meal package.  Meals are served at the Recreation Complex, where the concert hall is located. All students are encouraged to participate in the meal plan as it corresponds with the rehearsal and lesson schedule. A reputable caterer provides healthy, wholesome meals.

PRISMA can accommodate your special requirements as long as you let us know ahead of time. When you prepare to attend PRISMA, you will receive an email asking if you have any special requirements, and it is important to let us know as early as possible so that we can make suitable arrangements for you.

You can choose to order your breakfast from the menu at the Garden Court Restaurant in the hotel lobby or other breakfast options adjacent to the hotel, such as Tim Hortons, A&W, Starbucks, Subway, and McDonald’s.

If you book your own accommodation, you may still participate in the meal plan. Please let us know in advance if you plan to do so.

 

 

PRISMA 2026 Orchestra Repertoire*

• Holst – The Planets
• Berlioz – Symphony Fantastique
• Brahms – Double Concerto in A minor, op. 102
• … and more!

_{* repertoire subject to change}

Sheet Music

You will receive your music ahead of time in digital form and are expected to print the music, bring it with you, and arrive at PRISMA fully prepared to begin orchestra rehearsals immediately. As PRISMA has a very intense schedule, it is important to be well-prepared before arrival.

Concerto Competition

PRISMA’s annual Concerto Competition allows young, talented instrumentalists to showcase their musical prowess.
PRISMA 2026 Concerto Competition will be divided into two categories:

1. Strings Category includes violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp.
2. Other Categories include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and percussion.

Ten participants will be selected from the Preselection round and will perform with piano accompaniment during the Competition Round for a supportive audience.
Both categories will have a winner who will be a soloist with the PRISMA Festival Orchestra during the final two concerts.
The winner from each category will receive a prize of CAD 1000 and will be invited back to next year’s PRISMA on a full scholarship.
The winner of the Audience Favourite Award will receive a prize of CAD 500.

To view the Competition rules, please visit this page.

Luthier in Town

Luthier Laura Wallace will be present daily at PRISMA around lunch time for consultation, and for complimentary adjustments and advice for your instrument setup. In addition, repairs and bow rehairing can be done. Students will receive a 15% discount on strings.

For more information about Laura, please visit her website.

Please review the minor student policies for PRISMA 2026:

1. Legal Age of Majority:
   According to British Columbia law, the age of majority is 19 years. You can find more information here.
2. Waiver of Liability:
   All minor students attending PRISMA are required to fill out a “Waiver of Liability” form. We will send this form via email closer to the festival date.
3. Accommodation and Fees:
   Students under 19 might be placed in a homestay arrangement and are still required to pay full accommodation, tuition, and meal fees (unless they receive a PRISMA scholarship).

PRISMA Festival and Academy Infectious Disease Policy and Procedure Document

Health awareness during PRISMA

Students, staff, and other adults should follow public health guidance and the recommendations of a health care provider when they are sick. Being Health aware reduces the likelihood of a person coming to the festival when sick. This includes regularly checking for illness symptoms to ensure you don’t come to the festival when ill and protecting others.

Prevention

Prevention measures are in place to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. This includes effective personal practices like health awareness, staying home when sick, and regular hand cleaning. PRISMA will have a sanitizer available at all high-touch locations throughout the festival. All students and staff should:

• Practice health awareness
• Stay home when sick
• Alert one of the Festival staff if feeling unwell
• Isolate in your hotel or homestay until you speak to a staff member for the next steps

Masks

The decision to wear a mask is a personal choice for everyone. Individuals can choose to continue to wear a mask throughout the day or during specific activities. This choice will be supported and treated with respect. Masks will be available to all staff and students and can be found in the box office of our student services.

Cleaning and disinfecting

Regular cleaning and disinfection can help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. General cleaning of common areas, student office, and the complex will occur regularly, with frequently touched surfaces cleaned more often.

Students and staff who become sick during the Festival

If a student or staff member develops symptoms during PRISMA:

• PRISMA will have masks available for those who are sick
• Staff and Students will be asked to go back to their hotel or homestay as soon as possible to self-isolate
• If in a shared hotel room or homestay, PRISMA will try their best to isolate any student who is sharing a room or homestay with another individual by moving the shared students to a different hotel room or homestay to reduce the spread of the illness
• The person should stay at their homestay or hotel and follow public health advice on when to return to activities. Most people can return to the Festival when their symptoms have improved, and they feel well enough to participate in regular activities while wearing a mask
• PRISMA will contact the homestay host to check in on support required for the student who is exhibiting symptoms and move the student if necessary

Orchestra and music lessons

Students are encouraged to:

• Clean their hands before and after using any shared equipment
• Not to share equipment that touches the mouth, like an instrument mouthpiece or water bottle, unless cleaned and disinfected in between uses
• Cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing

International students

International students arriving in or returning to B.C. are required to follow federal COVID-19 travel guidance.

• Current federal travel guidance and requirements for entering Canada