SHERBROOKE, Quebec, April 22, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages today announced funding for the Corporation du Printemps musical de Sherbrooke.
This funding will be used to support the Off Festival des harmonies, which is taking place from April 30 to May 17, 2009. This event will offer more than 100 free musical performances in elementary schools, restaurants, and outdoor venues throughout Sherbrooke. The Off Festival is held alongside the Festival des harmonies et orchestres symphoniques du Québec, which welcomes 10,000 young musicians each year.
"Our Government is supporting activities that allow Canadians to celebrate the wealth and diversity of our culture, as well as stimulate the local economy," said Minister Moore. "This is why we are proud to support the Off Festival, an event that brings together music, fresh air, and fine food in a celebration that highlights the heritage of the Sherbrooke region and what unites us as Canadians."
"This contribution will make it possible to present 185 musical activities, spread out over three weeks of programming, which will feature more than 150 musicians from Sherbrooke," said Wilfrid Morin, President of the Corporation du Printemps musical de Sherbrooke. "We thank the Government of Canada for its participation in this major cultural event."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $31,700 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
