PART OF OUR WAY OF LIFE

Tonight, Ms Mary Porter MLA, Member for Ginninderra, attended the launch of the 16th Canberra International Music Festival.

“The Canberra International Music Festival has become a highlight of Canberra’s arts calendar,” said Ms Porter.

“My government is committed to strong participation and engagement in the arts. I believe in the arts it offers an avenue for Canberrans to enjoy rich, full lives. Festivals such as this are important facets of the local lifestyle.

“Recent research by the Australia Council for the Arts reveals yet again that Canberrans are greater consumers of and participants in the arts, justifying our commitment to this field.

“I congratulate festival-organisers Pro Musica for this wonderful achievement.”

The Canberra International Music Festival combines international and Australian performers, interesting and varied venues, the ambience of Canberra’s autumn, and a mixture of musical forms, lectures and other engagement activities.

The 2010 Festival presents music by Beethoven, Gorecki and Pärt, as well as Australian composers such as Peter Sculthorpe and Elena Kats-Chernin. Venues include Aspen Island, Llewellyn Hall, the Bus Depot Markets, and a range of embassies.

“The Canberra International Music Festival offers interesting music in interesting places across the ACT,” said Ms Porter. “The ACT Government is pleased to support Pro Musica for the Canberra International Music Festival through the ACT Arts Fund, which is one of the most direct ways the ACT Government supports our vibrant arts sector.”

“I wish Pro Musica all the best for this year’s Festival, and I encourage Canberra audiences young and old to be inspired by the many opportunities on offer,” said Ms Porter.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au
Mary Porter 0414 480 440