ORFORD, Quebec, June 29, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for Festival Orford.
This funding will help enhance the Festival's programming, adding to the number of performances by both up-and-coming and internationally known artists. Music lovers in the Eastern Townships and those visiting the area will not want to miss this event, which takes place from June 19 to August 16.
"Our Government is proud to support Festival Orford, an event that promotes not only the development of up-and-coming musicians, but also the cultural development of the Eastern Townships," said Minister Moore. "This proves that international-calibre festivals can be held anywhere, from small towns to major cities!"
"The Eastern Townships region is as unique as it is beautiful, and our Government is proud to be a partner in the celebrations and festivals that showcase it to the country and the world," said Minister Paradis. "The Orford Festival not only supports budding artists from across the province, it provides a great boost to the local economy as well."
"Support from the Government of Canada is invaluable to the Centre d'arts Orford. It allows us to pursue, for the 58th year, our mission of educating, training, and highlighting emerging musical talent, both nationally and internationally," said Nicole Fontaine, Vice-President and member of the Board of Directors of the Centre d'arts Orford. "This support will also help the Centre offer audiences quality artistic programming that is diverse and of international calibre."
The Orford Arts Centre organizes the annual Festival Orford, an event for classical music lovers. In addition to hosting the Festival, the Orford Arts Centre is a creative venue and showcase where exceptional classical music students are able to enhance their skills and prepare for an international career.
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $70,000 under the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The goal of this program is to enable Canadians to experience the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
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
