Ottawa, March 27, 2009 - Over the past month, five young Canadian composers have created unique musical works while taking part in Evolution, the new CBC/Radio-Canada National Composition Prize. Through the Internet, they allowed us to share in the experience of their stay in Banff and gave us insight into the creative process behind these original pieces.
For our Government, it is important for the highest calibre artistic institutions in Canada to be able to train artists for professional careers. On March 18, I had an opportunity to visit the Banff Centre and to announce $7 million in additional funding for the National Arts Training Contribution Program. This additional support from our Government will help ensure the ongoing competitiveness and operational stability of important institutions like the Banff Centre. The young artists who presented their new work have had an opportunity to push the envelope during their time in Banff. This adventure in creativity will help them take their place in the limelight domestically and internationally.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I congratulate the winner of the National Composition Grand Prize, awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts and CBC/Radio-Canada. Andrew Staniland does honour to the next generation of Canadian musicians with his piece, Devolution. I would also like to commend David Adamcyk, Geof Holbrook, Gordon Williamson, and Vincent Ho, winner of the People's Choice category. Each of these finalists has offered us a new way of looking at contemporary musical creation.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
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