Reading of the 2010-2011 budget - Creation of a dedicated fund for the
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal by the Québec government

MONTREAL, March 31 /CNW Telbec/ - The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) welcomes with great satisfaction the news of the creation, by the Québec government, of a dedicated fund for the Orchestra through Loto-Québec, as announced yesterday by the Minister of Finance Mr. Raymond Bachand during the reading of the budget.

Mr. Bachand made a point of describing the OSM as a "jewel of Québec culture, an artistic organization of international standing that each year welcomes the greatest names in orchestral music from Canada and around the world."

This fund will help make it possible for the OSM to carry on with its mission, to sustain its artistic vision, and to consolidate its financial situation in a lasting way while obliging it at the same time to practice rigorous and responsible management. "Through this substantial contribution," stated the Orchestra's chief executive officer, Ms. Madeleine Careau, "the Québec government today recognizes the importance of the OSM and the role of major cultural institution that it plays, and reaffirms its commitment to having a world-caliber orchestra in Montreal." Ms. Careau also insisted on thanking the Premier of Québec Mr. Jean Charest for his reliable support and the Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, Ms. Christine St-Pierre, for all the work involved in bringing this matter to fruition.

Despite a budget of constraint, the OSM was pleased to learn that culture was taken into consideration.

The OSM has a history of over 75 years, during which time it has come to be regarded as an international orchestra of the first rank, doing numerous tours and making roughly 100 recordings, these having been honored with a number of national and international awards. The OSM plays a noteworthy role in its community by undertaking more than 100 musical activities a year, and invests in its environment and in upcoming generations.

For further information: Marie-Josée Desrochers, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, [phone]; Lucie Paquin, Head of Media Relations, [phone]; Source: Orchestre symphonique de Montréal