Manitoba Celebrates a Kaleidoscope of Culture with 2010: The Concert

Winnipeg, MB ’Äì November 24, 2009 ’Äì All of Winnipeg is invited to celebrate the incredible year ahead by attending 2010: The Concert. This event, featuring a diverse and impressive array of talent, will leave Winnipeggers breathless and wanting more on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 8:10 p.m. at the Centennial Concert Hall. This unique concert, presented by The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010, and Manitoba Homecoming 2010, is sure to attract people to hear their favourites, and give everyone something new to love.

The celebration, on January 2, 2010, is in honour of Winnipeg’Äôs recent designation as ’ÄúCultural Capital of Canada 2010’Äù by The Department of Canadian Heritage. ’ÄúI am elated to be working with the WSO and Manitoba Homecoming on 2010: The Concert,’Äù Carol Phillips, Executive Director of Winnipeg Arts Council, said about their partnership. ’ÄúWe have so much planned over the next 18 months that all Winnipeggers have something to look forward to!’Äù

The Cultural Capitals of Canada is a national program funded by the federal government through Canadian Heritage, to recognize and support Canadian municipalities for special activities that harness the many benefits of arts and culture in community life. Events are designed to intersect with the entire population of Winnipeg, from a free River Barge Festival at The Forks, a story-telling project in every neighbourhood, the first Canadian International Cello Festival, to a massive multi-site exhibition of contemporary indigenous art from around the world, and much more.

2010: The Concert will also celebrate the much anticipated arrival of Manitoba Homecoming 2010. ’ÄúWe are so proud to be a part of this initiative and the fit was perfect. What better way to start off the year than with this mosaic of talent. Manitobans will love the programming at 2010: The Concert. There is something for everyone!’Äù said Kevin Walters, Executive Director of Manitoba Homecoming 2010.

Manitoba Homecoming 2010 is going to be a year long celebration in 2010 to bring visitors and former and current Manitobans together for events, festivals and an all-around really great party! Manitoba Homecoming 2010 will focus on the rich culture and traditions of Manitoba through special events, festivals, cultural events and community gatherings along with an emphasis on the opportunity for business and careers. A marathon of events and celebrations will run throughout 2010 across the province. From partnerships with existing events and festivals to new stand alone events created specifically to celebrate Homecoming there truly will be something for everyone.

This event will also showcase the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’Äôs diversity in terms of its association with everyone in the larger community. The WSO is the celebrated hub of Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence; it is an internationally recognized organization of artistic excellence and community relevance, and prides itself on delivering opportunities to bring music into people’Äôs lives.

’ÄúThis concert will rock,’Äù said Jean-Francois Phaneuf, Director of Artistic Operations at the WSO. ’ÄúAs one of the partners putting on this concert, we felt there was no better time than the beginning of the new year to kick off Winnipeg’Äôs fantastic cultural scene. Working with Kevin and Carol and their respective teams will be an exciting creative process for everyone. We can’Äôt wait to showcase what makes Winnipeg the epicentre of cultural excellence in Canada!’Äù

The tickets are affordably priced at $20.10 in order to be accessible to all Winnipeggers. The faster people buy tickets the better chance they have at choice seating.

The full roster of artists performing at 2010: The Concert includes (in alphabetical order):

• Steve Bell
• D.Rangers
• Eagle & Hawk
• Fubuki Daiko
• Monica Huisman
• James Keelaghan
• Steve & Anna-Lisa Kirby Jazz Quintet
• Momentum Aerial
• Daniel ROA
• Stacey Nattrass
• Sierra Noble
• Camerata Nova
• Fred Penner
• Royal Winnipeg Ballet
• Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
• The School of Contemporary Dancers
• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Tickets go on sale on Saturday, November 28, 2009 for $20.10 (plus applicable fees) for all reserved seating. To purchase tickets, please call the WSO Box Office at 949-3999; go to www.wso.ca; call Ticketmaster at 780-3333 or go to www.ticketmaster.ca.