Ottawa, Ontario - 7 November 2013
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s United Kingdom Tour in 2014:
“I welcome the announcement that the National Arts Centre Orchestra will be embarking on a UK tour next year to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, as well as to celebrate the deep and longstanding ties between Canada and the UK.
“Canadians fought with tremendous courage for our country in the Great War and for the values that we hold dear. Their sacrifices will be honoured and remembered in 2014 as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the conflict, including through this tour.
“Music is a fitting way to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed so much for our country during an arduous four year struggle. It conveys the full range of human emotions from the resolve of the brave, to the sadness of loss, and to the elation of victory.
“The NAC Orchestra’s 2014 Tour in the UK - under the patronage of His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales - will mark the historic anniversary through an inspiring repertoire including a composition called 'A Ballad of Canada' by composer Malcolm Forsyth, and through incorporating imagery inspired by the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by Lt. Col. John McCrae.
“I am confident that our world-class musicians, under the baton of its renowned Music Director, Pinchas Zukerman, will provide inspirational and engaging performances to young audiences in the UK, striking the fine balance between the solemnity of war and the joy of victory.
“I wish them every success in this important initiative.”
