Powell River, Canada

“Kathaumixw” (pronounced Ka-thou-mew) is from the Coast Salish language meaning “A gathering together of different peoples”.

Imagine a place where nature abounds, and music fills the air. Imagine a place that is warm, not only in climate, but in atmosphere. Imagine a place where language poses no boundaries, a place where people of different cultures and countries come together to share the common language of song. That place is Kathaumixw.

The International Choral Kathaumixw is a choral festival that brings together forty choirs from around the world for a week of concerts, common song singing, conductors’ seminars and social events. The festival is a place where all can learn from each other and from world renowned choral mentors.

It was here, in 2000, that the Saskatoon Children’s Choir was inspired to add an international focus to their work.

For Sake of Life, France and Spain

From 2000-2002 the Saskatoon Children’s Choir supported the International Campaign to Ban Landmines through concerts, education platforms and signatures supporting the Mine Ban Treaty. This project, endorsed by Nobel Laureate Jody Williams, included a performance tour of France and Spain, performances at the Festival Internacional de Música de Cantonigròs, the release of the CBC CD Fields Interrupted, and a guest performance at the Canadian/American International Peace Gardens.

Ottawa, Canada

The first tour of the Saskatoon Children’s Choir was to Ottawa as Saskatchewan’s representative in Unisong. This festival brings together a choir from each of Canada’s provinces, under the direction of a prominent Canadian conductor. Over five days, the choirs rehearsed together, ending the week with two Canada Day performances, with orchestra, at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre.