Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 9, 2015

Sharing and Promoting our Culture

Province Congratulates Shallaway on International Classical Music Win

The province's best and brightest young voices were honoured this week with the distinction of being the best in world at the 2015 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. Shallaway Youth Choir’s Camerta Ensemble won first place, of 40 competing choirs, in the classical category with a mark of 97.3. The ensemble is also currently competing in the Folk Music category.

“Congratulations to Shallaway on their win this week at the Llangollen music festival, they have become such a significant part of our province’s musical culture and make us all so proud. Shallaway has come to represent the very best of Newfoundland and Labrador’s choral musical talent. I commend Shallaway on their ability to share the rich folk culture of Newfoundland and Labrador through song and performance.
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Under the artistic direction of Kellie Walsh, Shallaway includes more than 300 singers between the ages of seven and 18, performing in six different ensembles. The Camerta Ensemble consists of about 65 singers. Shallaway is dedicated to developing independent choral musicianship and cultural awareness, while also connecting the province with the wider artistic world through choral excellence. While in the United Kingdom, Shallaway will also perform in Bath and Cambridge, England.

“Congratulations to Artistic Director Kellie Walsh and all the gifted youth that participate in Shallaway, their wonderful talent is a testament to their effort and devotion to their musical craft. I am confident their legacy to the province will be in their gift of sharing our culture and history with each other and the world.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Llangollen music festival has been taking place since 1947 and attracts approximately 4,000 performers each year. Additional information on the festival can be found by visiting: //international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ .

QUICK FACTS

• Shallaway Youth Choir’s has won first place in the classical music category at the 2015 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.
• Shallaway placed first with a mark of 97.3, beating out 40 other international choirs.
• Additional information on Shallaway can be found at www.shallaway.ca/ .

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Media contact:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2015 07 09                              3:50 p.m.