2021 Program
The Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) is excited to announce the return of its academy and festival in June 2021. Adopting a smaller and more intimate format than previous years, PRISMA 2021 will be open to a limited number of string students who currently live and/or study British Columbia. This change is in effect for 2021 only, and is due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the ongoing restrictions affecting international travel. (Music students who live or study outside of British Columbia, wind and brass players, percussionists and harpists, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to Powell River in 2022 for a full orchestral program.) All string students accepted for PRISMA 2021 will automatically receive a full scholarship which covers program fees, accommodation and meals. Students will be responsible for their travel to and from Powell River. In the event that PRISMA is forced to cancel its 2021 academy and festival due to COVID 19 restrictions, your application fee will be fully refunded.
Dates & Location
June 14-26, 2021
Powell River, British Columbia, Canada
Program and Guest Artists
PRISMA’s 2021 program will concentrate on education and performance opportunities for string players. Students will explore and perform challenging works for string orchestra and will form string quartets/quintets. The Victoria-based an internationally renowned Lafayette String Quartet, our artists-in-residence for 2021, will coach the chamber ensembles and educate students in sectional rehearsals.
Additional Canadian guest artists (to be announced soon) with principal positions in major orchestras, will be offering in-person lessons and masterclasses.
Consider studying at PRISMA if you:
• are passionate about music
• want to raise your technical and musical skills to a higher level
• are interested in learning from and networking with guest artists and peers
• want to be part of a supportive and collaborative learning environment
NOTE: Full scholarships will be awarded to ALL students accepted to PRISMA 2021.
Application Fees:
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2020: $50 USD
Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2021: $75 USD
To apply, please visit our Acceptd page.
PRISMA takes place in Powell River on the ancestral territory of the Tla’amin Nation: a stunning setting where the coastal mountains of British Columbia meet the Pacific Ocean. This is an inspiring place for music-making.
The safety of everyone is our main concern and we are committed to following all COVID-19 public health guidelines.
Questions? Reach us at admissions@prismafestival.com
Our 2021 Offerings
String Orchestra Rehearsals
All students play in the PRISMA Festival Orchestra conducted by Arthur Arnold, Music Director of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.
Two full string orchestra programs provide players with a broad experience in orchestral playing and musical interpretation. This year’s repertoire will include Shostakovich – Chamber Symphony, op. 110a, Tchaikovsky – Serenade for Strings, Stravinsky – Concerto in D, and more. Click here for a full list.
String Quartet Coaching
All 2021 students will be placed in string quartets or quintets and will receive coaching from the internationally renowned Lafayette String Quartet.
Sectional Rehearsals
All members of the Lafayette String Quartet have been principal players chamber orchestras and are intimately familiar with the 2021 orchestra repertoire. Instrument-specific challenges will be addressed directly with the students in their section. This provides you with an opportunity to ask questions you may have about the repertoire, bowings, fingerings etc. in a supportive and engaging environment.
Masterclasses & Private Lessons
Students play solo pieces and listen to their colleagues play during public masterclasses. PRISMA participants receive dedicated support through one-on-one lessons with their guest artist instructors. In the private lessons, students work on selected repertoire and excerpts.
Mentorship Sessions
PRISMA offers students increased professional development and life coaching geared and focused on maintaining personal well-being as a professional musician. Join our guest artists for a roundtable discussion focused on everything from industry etiquette to practice strategies to work-life balance.
Concerts & Performances
PRISMA offers a large variety of exciting performance opportunities, from string orchestra and quartet concerts to intimate chamber music recitals. Students and guest artists will get to play in various configurations at PRISMA 2021. Rest assured that all live and/or live-streamed performance opportunities will be organized in accordance with COVID-19 health guidelines.