The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017: A Symphony of Commemoration

MONTREAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 13, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, took advantage of a concert at the Montreal Symphony House to announce $525,000 in funding for the National Youth Orchestra Canada's pan-Canadian signature initiative, Edges of Canada Sesquicentennial Concert Tour.

Thanks to this support, provided through the Canada 150 Fund, the National Youth Orchestra Canada (NYO), featuring young musicians from all across Canada, will tour the country presenting 14 concerts in 28 days in 2017. NYO will travel to several communities in the North for the first time and will include Indigenous artists in their performances. The organization will offer a mentoring and outreach program for aspiring young musicians in every community it performs in.

To help make 2017 a year to remember for all Canadians, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in Canada-wide, regional and local projects to promote the numerous activities taking place throughout the year to Canadians and to invite them to take part.

The 150^th anniversary of Confederation gives Canadians the opportunity to get involved in their communities and to celebrate our shared values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our country's place in the world.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation includes four major themes: diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
• The Canada 150 Fund, established in April 2015, has an overall budget of $210 million.
• Through this fund, the Government of Canada will continue to invest strategically in activities that support the 150^th anniversary vision and promote the direct involvement of Canadians.
• National Youth Orchestra Canada is a federally chartered, non-profit organization devoted to the discovery and training of accomplished young Canadian musicians.
• The countdown has begun-there are less than 150 days left until the official launch of celebrations for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation.
• We invite all Canadians to take part in countdown activities in person and on social media with the hashtag #Canada150.

Quotes

"Confederation's 150^th anniversary celebrations are a fantastic opportunity to recognize the rich and unique contribution of Canadian artists. Canadians across the country will experience emerging classical and Indigenous musicians through the National Youth Orchestra Canada's sublime performances on this national concert tour. Prepare to be dazzled by the talent of our young musicians!"

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"It is such an honour to receive this funding, and we look forward to making Canada proud in 2017. Thanks to this support from the Government of Canada and TD Bank, we will be able to perform in places we've never been to before. We will give Canadians a very special cultural experience and get a conversation going, building on the transformative power of the arts."

- Barbara Smith, Executive Director, National Youth Orchestra Canada

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Fund

National Youth Orchestra Canada

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