September 18, 2000

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Diane McGifford has announced that the provincial government is partnering with several organizations to present a unique musical experience to young Manitobans living in remote northern communities.

"Music is a communications medium that reaches across barriers of language and culture to bring people together," said McGifford. "This tour project is an exciting opportunity to expose children in remote northern communities to musical experiences that will ignite their imaginations."

The musical tour will feature 30 concerts in 19 communities. The project is a partnership between the Manitoba Arts Council (Artists in School Program), Manitoba Arts Network, Winnipeg Musicians' Association Local 190, Music Performers Trust Fund (New York) and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism (Arts Development Project Support Program).

The performing ensemble consists of George Zukerman on bassoon, Jim Hiscott on accordion and Jack Glazer on violin. The concerts are designed for children who have never seen or heard professional musicians at work. Each presentation involves performances and hands on teaching sessions where children are encouraged to touch and play the various instruments. The performances will be free and open to all community members.

"Many of the youth living in First Nations and Aboriginal communities have never had a chance to interact with professional musicians or experience their music," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson. "This is an excellent opportunity to encourage our youth to learn more about music as a way to express themselves and see the world around them."

The tour begins today and will include the communities of Churchill, Gillam, Shamattawa, Brochet, Lac Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Pukatawagan, Nelson House, South Indian Lake, Oxford House, Red Sucker Lake, God's Lake Narrows, God's River, St. Theresa Point, Waasagomach, Garden Hill, Poplar River, Pauingassi and Bloodvein. Culture, Heritage and Tourism will contribute $2,000 towards the cost of co-ordinating the tour.

The ensemble has completed similar tours in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Nunavut.

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