Harper Government Supports the Calgary Opera Association

CALGARY, Jan. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, accompanied by Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced the Harper Government's investment in the Calgary Opera Association through the Canada Arts Training Fund. The Calgary Opera Association will continue to offer advanced professional training to emerging opera singers, thanks to a contribution from the Government of Canada.

Each year, through its Emerging Artist Development Program, the Calgary Opera Association gives approximately eight emerging Canadian opera artists a fully professional environment in which to undertake advanced training and acquire the experience they need to succeed in their field.

"Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians," said Minister Moore. "On the road to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today."

"Since its foundation in 1972, the Calgary Opera Association has been committed to the development of Canadian talent and the development of new opera works," said Minister Fletcher. "We are pleased to play a role in the success of this organization which contributes to Canada's economy and quality of life".

"Without the ongoing support of the Government of Canada, we wouldn't be able to make the impact in young singers' careers that is so essential to developing the Canadian talent of tomorrow," said General Director and CEO, Bob McPhee. "Many of our program graduates have returned to sing in our mainstage productions as well as perform across Canada, North America, and the world."

The Government of Canada is providing total funding of $250,000 over two years, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, to the Calgary Opera Association through the Canada Arts Training Fund. The Fund contributes to the development of Canadian creators and future cultural leaders of the Canadian arts sector by supporting the training of artists with high potential through institutions that offer training of the highest calibre.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

(Media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)