MISSION, British Columbia, July 31, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament (Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission), today announced funding for the Mission Concert and Recital Society (MCRS).
The funding will support the Classical Music Concert Series, a high-calibre national and international music series of six concerts in Mission's Clarke Theatre. The series will take place from October 2009 to March 2010 and will feature a variety of classical music performances, including chamber music, classical percussion, vocal, string quartet, cello, and piano presentations. In addition, outreach activities will include noon-hour library and school concerts, master classes, lectures, and artist chats.
"The Mission Concert and Recital Society's annual series provides a growing audience of local residents and visitors with access to diverse artistic performances," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in this presentation series, which contributes to the community's cultural vitality."
"Events like the Classical Music Concert Series help enrich the cultural fabric of our community," said Mr. Kamp. "I am pleased that our Government continues to show its commitment to the arts and to rural communities by funding events like this."
"The Mission Concert Recital Society thanks the Government of Canada for their support over the last several years," said Chris Finch, Past President, MCRS. "Their grant has enabled our Society to meet our mandate to present world-class professional classical musicians in our community."
The Mission Concert and Recital Society is a non-profit organization that aims to present local, national, and international artists ranging from soloists to orchestras. In fulfilling its artistic mandate, the Society promotes concerts and educational opportunities for the Fraser Valley communities of Mission, Abbotsford, and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows.
The Government of Canada has provided $7,000 in 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.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
