Harper Government Supports Musique Royale

LUNENBURG, NS, Jan. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Audiences throughout Nova Scotia will enjoy performances and other activities that celebrate the province's classical music heritage, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Musique Royale presents a summer festival and year-round performances of renaissance and baroque music in rural and urban communities in Nova Scotia. As a result of this funding, Musique Royale will organize concerts and community outreach activities that will promote the arts and boost tourism in the region. Soloists, vocal ensembles, and instrumental ensembles from across Canada, the United States, and Europe will take part in performances and other events.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations like Musique Royale," said Minister Moore. "By supporting this first-class organization, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Thanks to the excellent work of Musique Royale, Nova Scotians will have a number of opportunities to celebrate the province's rich classical music heritage," said Mr. Keddy. "Our Government commends the group for bringing this special artistic experience to communities all over Nova Scotia."

"Musique Royale is deeply grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for providing strong foundation support to our programs," said Barbara Butler, Artistic and Administrative Director. "Musique Royale brings performances of early music featuring prominent Canadian artists to more than 20 communities throughout the province each summer. We celebrate our province's musical and cultural heritage, and our success would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund."

Since 1985, Musique Royale has presented classical music in Nova Scotia and highlighted the musical influences of the French, English, Irish, and Scottish people who settled in the province. The organization offers programming in predominantly rural communities and enables interaction among artists and audiences.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $44,000 for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)