Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
July 4, 2016

Supporting Creativity in the Arts Through Strategic Investments

Provincial Government Supports Opera on the Avalon

The Provincial Government has provided $50,000 to Opera on the Avalon to support seasonal operations and the creation of Ours, a new opera commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.

�The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development is focused on nurturing the strong relationship that is shared between our province�s vibrant music industry, while also encouraging the associated economic and social opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador and around the world. I commend this talented group and am proud to support its important contribution to our province�s exciting cultural community.�
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Founded in 2008, Opera on the Avalon is the only program of its kind in Atlantic Canada which produces fully-staged operas with the purpose of public education, professional development of its participants, and enriching the artistic offerings in the greater metro St. John�s area. The goal of Opera on the Avalon is to entertain, challenge and enlighten audiences with operas produced from Canadian and international repertoires.

�Our vision is to create a work that will be a legacy for all Canadians, to help us honour the memories of the past and to serve as an inspiration for our future. Newfoundland and Labrador is steeped in history, and Opera on the Avalon is dedicated to transforming that history into art. This opera would not have been possible without the generous support of the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, and we are grateful for their continued support of the cultural industries in Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- Cheryl Hickman, Artistic Director, Opera on the Avalon

Ours is a new Canadian opera commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel through a two-act opera by award-winning Canadian composer John Estacio with libretto by renowned Canadian writer Robert Chafe. Based on the true story of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Ours will be the first full-length opera ever to be set in Atlantic Canada.

QUICK FACTS

• $50,000 in Provincial Government funding has been provided to Opera on the Avalon to support seasonal operations and the creation of Ours, a new opera commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.
• Founded in 2008, Opera on the Avalon is the only program of its kind in Atlantic Canada which produces fully-staged operas with the purpose of public education, professional development of its participants.
• Information about Opera on the Avalon and their performances can be found at www.operaontheavalon.com.

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

Cheryl Hickman Artistic Director Opera on the Avalon 709-699-8185 cheryl@operaontheavalon.com

2016 07 04                             10:15 a.m.