Voices Unite to Tell Cultural Story of Newfoundland and Labrador Through Song

The incredible sounds of choral music will flow through St. John’s this week with the opening of Festival 500 Sharing the Voices choral festival. The festival, which runs from July 3 to 10, showcases choral groups from around the world and allows local groups to share musical traditions and culture with national and international artists. The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced $130,000 for the event through the Provincial Government’s Cultural Economic Development Program.

“This event provides us with an opportunity to hear from the finest choral groups in the world, and to share our own musical traditions and culture with national and international artists,” said Minister French. “Festival 500 is both a cultural and learning experience, and our government is pleased to invest $130,000 in an event that not only provides artists an opportunity to interact, share ideas and learn from each other, but also entertains audiences of all ages.”

Festival 500 Sharing the Voices is a biennial non-competitive international vocal festival which involves a week-long concert series and educational symposium led by internationally-acclaimed music mentors, clinicians and performers. Since 1997, Festival 500 has attracted more than 16,000 participants from 60 countries.

“This year, the festival joins together a diverse selection of choirs and performers of all ages and singing styles from Africa, Europe and North America,” said Dr. Peter Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, Festival 500 Corporation. “Our 2013 festival line-up reflects the exciting and evolving world of vocal music from festival headliner Witloof Bay and Irish brothers and beat-boxers Owen and Moley O Suilleabhain (Size2Shoes), to leading British choral conductor Bob Chilcott and percussionist and Ghanian music scholar Kathy Armstrong. We know attendees will be surprised and delighted by contemporary choral music and the range of energetic performers.”

For more information about Festival 500 visit: www.festival500.com 

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides more than $17 million to support cultural and heritage sectors. Since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $87 million through the plan to promote culture and heritage in the province.

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2013 07 03                  12:00 p.m.