NEWS RELEASES
MINISTER GRAHAM CELEBRATES CANADIAN CULTURE AT MEXICAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
October 22, 2002 (2:00 p.m. EDT) No. 124
MINISTER GRAHAM CELEBRATES CANADIAN CULTURE
AT MEXICAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that he will take part in a celebration and promotion of Canadian
arts and culture at the annual Festival International Cervantino, which runs until October 27 in Guanajuato, Mexico. The
Minister will travel to Guanajuato following the annual Ministerial meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) forum in Los Cabos, Mexico, October 23 and 24. On its 30th anniversary, the Cervantino International Festival has
selected Canada as the "Country Guest of Honour" and is showcasing the works of Canadian artists to Mexican and
international audiences.
"The promotion of Canadian culture and values abroad is a fundamental pillar of Canada's foreign policy, so it is an honour
for Canadian talent to be highlighted among so many exceptional artists from around the world," said Minister Graham.
"The prestigious Cervantino festival provides an excellent opportunity to show the international community what Canada
has to offer."
The Festival International Cervantino has invited more than 2,700 artists from 30 countries to present their work in
Guanajuato and in other cities throughout the Mexican Republic. The Canadian presentations range from classical orchestra
and aboriginal storytelling to modern musical interpretations and choreography.
Minister Graham will attend Canadian performances at the festival, and will deliver a speech at the University of
Guanajuato on Friday, October 25.
Canadian acts participating in the festival include: the Montreal Baroque Orchestra; the Vancouver Chamber Choir; James
Ehnes; Louis-Philippe Pelletier; Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne; the Gryphon Trio; Grand Dérangement; Sláinte Mhath;
Ranee Lee; the Donny Kennedy Quintet; the Six Nations Women Singers; Kanenhi:io; Les Deux Mondes; Ballet British
Columbia; and Les gens d'R.
For more information on the 30th Cervantino International Festival and Canada's participation as the Country Guest of
Honour please visit the Web site at: http://www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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