EDC sponsors National Arts Centre Orchestra tour
March 12, 2003 -
Ottawa -- Export Development Canada will be the presenting sponsor
for the National Arts Centre Orchestra's U.S. and Mexico Tour of
ten cities this coming November.
This tour will showcase the talents of some of Canada's best
musicians before audiences in two important markets for Canadian
exporters - Mexico and the United States. The concerts and
related educational activities in a number of North American cities
will provide a unique opportunity for EDC to build awareness and
strengthen Canada's brand as well as its own.
"Our definition of what an export is includes culture," says A.
Ian Gillespie, EDC president and CEO. "We are trying to do our part
to bring Canadian excellence in performance and arts education into
the international spotlight."
"This tour will also have a lasting legacy because it's more
than just a one-time event," adds Mr. Gillespie. "There is a vital
educational component to this sponsorship with master classes,
workshops with NAC Awards Composer Denys Bouliane, teaching kits and
a tour website which will allow all Canadians to participate."
The National Arts Centre Orchestra is Canada's premier
orchestra, headed by world-renowned conductor, violinist and violist,
music director Pinchas Zukerman. The orchestra has been thrilling
audiences with performances throughout Canada and internationally
since its founding in 1969.
EDC has a tradition of supporting the arts in Canada, believing
this contributes to the vibrancy of our nation and the way Canada is
perceived around the world. In 2002, EDC was the presenting sponsor
of the Tom Thomson Exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada.
EDC provides trade finance and risk management services to
Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets. Founded in
1944, EDC is a Crown corporation that operates as a commercial
financial institution.
