The Government of Canada Supports Festival Saint-Zenon-De-Piopolis

PIOPOLIS, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 30, 2009) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Megantic-L'Erable), today announced funding for the Comite culturel de Piopolis to present the Festival Saint-Zenon-de-Piopolis.

Funding will support the 2009 Festival programming, which will include six musical performances of various genres (classical, blues, gospel, folk, and world music). The concerts will be presented in the Saint-Zenon-de-Piopolis church from May 30 to December 5, 2009.

"I am proud that our Government supports this organization, which allows music lovers from the region to attend a variety of musical performances and to have access to a sampling of the diversity of Canada's artistic wealth," said Minister Moore.

"This festival is a key event in terms of artistic presentations in the Eastern Townships, promoting local talent. Bravo to all those who contribute to the presentation of quality programming devote their time and energy to making this festival a reality," said Minister Paradis.

"Financial assistance from the Government of Canada is vital for the achievement of our mandate, which includes offering spectacular concerts to the population within our region at prices accessible to all. This is especially relevant for our 2009 season, as we have to pay out the largest sum in the history of the festival to our invited artists," said Roger DesBiens, President of the Festival Saint-Zenon-de-Piopolis and Artistic Director of the Commite culturel de Piopolis.

The Government of Canada has provided $6,000 in funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program allows Canadians to experience the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.