HALIFAX, May 31, 2008 - Once again this year, music lovers in southwestern Nova Scotia will be able to enjoy classical music concerts by renowned artists, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Senator Gerald J. Comeau, on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Société Musique Saint Bernard.
Funding of $12,000 will help the organization present its next concert series, which runs from spring to fall 2008. The Société Musique Saint-Bernard presents concerts from professional and emerging artists in this rural area.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support an organization that offers such superior artistic performances," said Minister Verner. "Every year, thanks to the Société Musique Saint-Bernard, residents of southwestern Nova Scotia can appreciate the richness and diversity of classical music."
"It's a privilege to have organizations like the Société Musique Saint-Bernard that are committed to increasing accessibility to the arts in rural are as," said Senator Comeau. "The Government of Canada recognizes the Société Musique Saint-Bernard for its contribution to the quality of life and the development of southwestern Nova Scotia."
"For over ten years, the Musique Saint-Bernard concert series has enriched the rural communities of southwest Nova Scotia by providing much desired live classical music performances," said Christine Dickinson, Coordinator for the Société Musique Saint-Bernard. "The support we receive from Canadian Heritage is vital in helping us attract outstanding national and international performers to the splendid sanctuary of Saint-Bernard Church."
The Société Musique Saint-Bernard has been presenting annual classical concert series in the Baie Sainte Marie area since 1997. Every year, professional and emerging artists from Canada and other parts of the world offer high-quality performances at Saint-Bernard Church, a venue widely recognized for the quality of its acoustics.
The Government of Canada has provided this support 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.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
