Government of Canada Invests in Barrie’s Colours of Music Festival

September 25, 2009

BARRIE, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie), today announced funding for Barrie’s Colours of Music Festival.

The 7th annual Colours of Music Festival, which runs from September 25 to October 4, 2009, will bring together local and international talent in celebration of classical music. The Festival takes place in churches throughout Barrie and features a variety of classical genres. Activities include performances, educational workshops, and student outreach initiatives. This year’s program includes an original concerto commissioned from composer-in-residence and pianist Heather Schmidt.

“Our Government is proud to support Colours of Music,” said Minister Moore. “This local festival stimulates our economy by drawing regional and foreign talent, as well as music lovers, to Barrie.”

“Colours of Music enhances the cultural fabric of our fair city,” said Mr. Brown. “This commitment from our Government is an investment in the cultural growth of our community.”

“Heather Schmidt will be our fifth composer-in-residence, but this will be the Festival’s first full concerto,” said Bruce Owen, Colours of Music Chair and Programming Director. “We anticipate that thousands of students will benefit from workshops with the visiting choirs, orchestras, pianists, and quartets from across Canada and around the world.”

The Government of Canada has provided $10,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (formerly Arts Presentation Canada program) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.