Over 1,500 performers will be competing in the 85th Penticton Kiwanis Music Festival, which gets underway with a series of piano competitions on April 5.
The festival draws performers aged six to 30 from all over B.C. in the disciplines of piano, dance, classical voice and choral, musical theatre, speech and dramatic arts, strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass and recorder.
Organizers describe it as a month full of incredible performances, which are free of charge to the public.
The festival takes place in various locations around Penticton, with the exception of the dance competitions, all of which will be held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. As last year, the normal venue for dance, Cleland Theatre, remains closed for reconstruction through this year’s festival.
Two highlight concerts wind up the festival, with the adjudicators picking out the outstanding performances for the two wrap up shows. The first is the music highlights, sponsored by The Penticton Academy of Music, on April 29 at the Alliance Church, followed by the dance highlights on May 7 at the convention centre.
A full listing of venues and program are available online at www.pkmf.org or by calling the office (250)493-8322. Tickets will be available at any of the festival venues or the office.