The name may be unfamiliar: Kathaumixw, (pronounced ka-thow-mew), is a Coast Salish word that means a gathering of different peoples, but the event is renowned among music fans. Powell River hosts many musical events, and every second summer for the past two decades it has been home to a choral festival featuring more than 30 choirs from all over the world. Concerts, choral and vocal solo competitions, conductors' round tables, tours, social events and seminars are all packed into the festival taking place this year from July 1 to 5. See: www.kathaumixw.org.
Here on the Coast, the Sunshine Coast Music Society, in collaboration with Gibsons United Church, has seized the opportunity to hear good choral music by booking one of the visiting choirs for a concert in Gibsons as they pass through on their way to Powell River.
The Kotori Choir, mostly elementary school children from Narita, Japan, was formed in 1990. Their repertoire includes contemporary songs, hymns, children's folk music and classical pieces. They will appear at Gibsons Heritage Playhouse on Monday, June 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Kotori is Japanese for "little bird," and this small, award-winning choir of young children is said to be enchanting. They include traditional Japanese singing and dancing in the program, performed in national dress with piano, organ or Japanese drum accompaniment. The choir is under the direction of soprano vocalist Machiko Takahashi, a graduate of Tokyo Music University. The children's choir founder and voice teacher has performed as soloist many times and also conducts two other ladies' choirs in Japan.
Allan Crane, involved with the Coast's classical music scene for many decades, recalls the early Kathaumixw festivals. On one occasion, he arranged for The Nyonza Singers and Dancers of Uganda who packed the Twilight Theatre (now Gibsons Cinema) to the rafters for an unforgettable celebration of Ugandan culture. Having lived in Japan and familiar with its musical tradition, Crane expects this choir to be equally unforgettable.
Though there are 19 in the choir, only 13 will come to Gibsons. The Sunshine Coast Music Society is making the arrangements and the Gibsons United Church is providing accommodation. The children will stay with families except for the youngest - two of them are only five years old - will stay with their parents at a motel.
Concert tickets for $10 are available at Gaia's Fair Trade and Sew Much More in Gibsons and the Visitors Centre in Sechelt.
