ST. JOHN'S, February 22, 2008--On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, today announced support for the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival.
Funding of $7,500 will support the presentation of the eighth annual Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival, to take place in St. John's from August 11 to 24, 2008.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival, a two-week event that attracts internationally acclaimed artists from Canada and abroad," said Minister Verner. "The 2008 festival promises to be as delightful as past years."
"As a longstanding platform for professional classical music on the Avalon Peninsula, the Tuckamore Festival has been a vital and popular part of the province's cultural scene," said Minister Hearn. "We join local residents in looking forward to the arrival of this upcoming summer's celebration of chamber music."
"We are very grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for its generous support of the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival," said Clare Barry, Chair of the Board. "The Government of Canada's commitment to the development of the arts and multicultural programs across our country affirms their importance in fostering a vibrant and healthy country. This support enables us to share our vision of chamber music on Canada's eastern edge with our community and its visitors."
Since 2001, the Tuckamore Festival has offered a chamber music series in a number of venues in St. John's. Over a two-week period, the Festival offers evening and free lunchtime concerts, featuring musicians such as the Duke Trio, a well-known Canadian ensemble. There is also a program for emerging artists, in which faculty and guest artists provide chamber music coaching, classes, and private lessons.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
