News

National Music Centre Honoured by 2011 Canada's Walk of Fame

September 6, 2011, Toronto/Calgary - The National Music Centre (NMC) is honoured to be named the beneficiary of this year's Canada's Walk of Fame Inductee Charity Ball, presented by RBC. The Ball, which will take place on October 1 at Toronto's Sheraton Centre Hotel, will recognize the National Music Centre for its important cultural role in connecting Canadians to each other and their heritage, through the power of music.

President and CEO of NMC, Andrew Mosker, will be attending the event in Toronto on October 1 to celebrate the announcement. "We are extremely grateful to be recognized in such a prestigious way,"says Mosker. "From our national anthem to traditional Aboriginal songs, music is the stuff that unites Canadians from all different backgrounds and helps define who we are as a nation."

Peter Soumalias, President and Founding Director, Canada's Walk of Fame adds: "We are extremely pleased to designate the National Music Centre as this year's beneficiary of our Inductee Charity Ball, as we strongly believe in the Centre's mission to connect Canadians to each other and to our heritage through music. With the support of our presenting sponsor, RBC, plus other corporate and individual donors, we intend to make a significant contribution to this worthy organization."

The vision of the Centre is to give Canadians a place that amplifies the love, the sharing and the understanding of music through collections, programs and collaborations across the country. Projected to open its doors in 2014, the 135,000-sq.-ft. National Music Centre recently revealed its extraordinary design by Allied Works Architecture.

With state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, artist-in-residence and emerging artist programs, a seven-days-a-week live music venue, two vintage recording studios including the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio and more, NMC will serve as the go-to resource for music-lovers from coast-to-coast - both onsite in Calgary, virtually and through travelling programs and exhibitions.

In addition to housing thousands of musical artifacts, the facility will also provide artists a unique space to nurture their talent and give people of all ages, abilities and cultures the chance to enjoy live music through extensive public and education programming accessible to all Canadians.

To learn more about the National Music Centre and the work it is doing to honour Canadian music, visit www.nmc.ca.

For more information please contact:

Camie Leard, National Music Centre

(403) 543-5122

camie.leard@nmc.ca

President and CEO Andrew Mosker announcing partnership in Toronto.

National Music Centre and CARAS working together to give Canadian Music Hall of Fame a home

The National Music Centre and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) are thrilled to announce that discussions are underway to locate The Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the National Music Centre in Calgary and in co-locations across Canada.

“Since its inception in 1978, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame has honoured individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution toward the greater international recognition of Canadian artists and music,” said CARAS President & CEO Melanie Berry. “Now, together with the National Music Centre, we will work towards creating bricks-and-mortar locations to gather and exhibit important memorabilia that tell the stories of inductees and our collective musical heritage. It’s very exciting.”

The National Music Centre, slated for opening in Calgary in early 2014, will give Canada a place that amplifies the love, the sharing and the understanding of music through collections, programs and collaborations across the country. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame collection, according to NMC President and CEO Andrew Mosker, is a fundamental step in ensuring the long-term preservation of Canada’s music history.

“This relationship with CARAS is not only a major milestone for the National Music Centre, but for all Canadians,” says Mosker. “Having a physical home for our musical treasures means we can ensure our rich and colourful stories are preserved and shared for future generations. It’s an honour to be entrusted with the collection and care of these artifacts.”

Cantos Submits Development Permit for National Music Centre Project 

February 7, 2011 Calgary, AB – The next step toward a shovel in the ground for the National Music Centre on the site of the King Eddy Hotel in Calgary’s East Village has been reached.

President and CEO Andrew Mosker, together with Martin Jones, principal with project architect GEC, submitted the project’s Development Permit Application at City Hall today where it will be reviewed by the City’s Land Use and Development Department.

“It’s an exciting day for us,” says Mosker. “We’ve worked very hard with our design team, with the CMLC and with our stakeholders to reach this point and we’re looking forward to working with the city moving forward.”

The Development Permit process involves reviewing every aspect of the proposed development to ensure it meets the City’s requirements in terms of services, transportation and other factors. The process can take anywhere from three months to a year depending on the amount of consultation required.

The National Music Centre is a 110,000 sq. ft. facility that will give Canada a place that amplifies the love, the sharing and the understanding of music through collections, programs, performance and collaboration.

Canadian Music Luminary Ross Reynolds Joins NMC Board

Calgary, AB - Hot on the heels of a $50 million funding commitment from the provincial and federal governments, the National Music Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Canadian music luminary Ross Reynolds to its board of directors.

"We are so excited to welcome someone with Ross' experience and expertise to our board," says Chairman Roger Jackson. "And we're thrilled that he is as excited about the National Music Centre project as we are."

"I am extremely pleased to join the board of the National Music Centre and assist in making a reality of their dream of celebrating Canada's rich musical heritage," says Reynolds. "The NMC will provide an exciting and long overdue focus for the pride we can all feel for our Canadian artists and musicians."

Reynolds is a respected music industry veteran who once held the position of President at GRT Records for 10 years (from the label's inception in 1969), where he signed such Canadian artists as Dan Hill, Dr. Music, Ian Thomas, Lighthouse and Moe Koffman.  His resume also includes five years as Executive VP in Canada for WEA (now Warner Music Canada).

He is perhaps best known for his long and outstanding tenure as President then Chairman of Universal Music Canada (formerly MCA) for nearly two decades from 1983 to 2001, during which he oversaw the development of a Canadian roster that included global stars like The Tragically Hip.

Reynolds' was a founding director of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) in 1975 in 2001, he was elected to the full-time position of Chairman. He expanded the focus of the JUNO Awards and was instrumental in taking Canada's Music Awards show "on the road" for the first time to St. John's, NL, in addition to growing the singular celebration into a full weekend of events that showcases the successes of Canadian music.

His experience and expertise in the music industry has him currently acting as an advisory board member for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and MusiCounts. Reynolds is also a past Chairman of the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA).

Minister Jason Kenny, Premier Ed Stelmach, Minister Jim Prentice,Andrew Mosker and Minister Lindsay Blackett.

National Music Centre Project Receives $50-Million Boost from Provincial and Federal Governments

Calgary, AB - Cantos Music Foundation and the National Music Centre project are thrilled to announce equal commitments of $25 million each from the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada's Infrastructure department toward the building of Canada's National Music Centre (NMC) in Calgary.

Combined with the City of Calgary's leading $25-million commitment earlier this year, the National Music Centre project is now officially on its way to realization.

"This is a monumental leap forward in bringing our vision of a national destination to reality," said NMC President and CEO Andrew Mosker.  "We are so grateful to the municipal, provincial and federal governments for their support of this project and to Canadians for making an investment in a place that will tell our music story and connect Canadians to each other and to our heritage through the power of music."

Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Southern Alberta Jim Prentice, Premiere Ed Stelmach, Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett, and Mayor Dave Bronconnier joined Mosker today for the announcement at Cantos Music Foundation.

"Our Government is focussed on investing in and improving infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate local economies," said Minister Prentice. "This cultural infrastructure project will greatly contribute to the economic prosperity of Calgary and promote arts and culture, while preserving Canada's music legacy for generations to come."

"We are proud to build on Cantos Music Foundation's efforts with a funding commitment of up to $25 million," said Premier Stelmach. "The Foundation should be commended on their contributions to Alberta's music and cultural life through their public and artistic development programs."

"We're delighted to see both the federal and provincial governments joining with the City and Cantos to see this project become a reality," said Mayor Bronconnier. "It's an important step forward for our East Village Redevelopment plan, and for Calgary's arts community."

The $120 - $130 million, 110,000 sq.ft. National Music Centre will give Canadians a place that amplifies the love, the sharing and the understanding of music through collections and exhibitions, programs, research and collaborations across the country. Located at the site of the historic King Edward Hotel, the project will be a catalyzing force in the revitalization of Calgary's East Village and provide an iconic piece of cultural infrastructure to Calgary, to Alberta and for all Canadians.

Andrew Mosker named President and CEO

The Board of Directors of Cantos Music Foundation and the National Music Centre is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andrew Mosker as President and CEO of our organization. His inspired leadership and tireless efforts in bringing the National Music Centre project to life make him the ideal leader to take the vision forward into its exciting national and international future.

 Cantos Sends Army of Buskers to Thank City Hall for $25 million Commitment to National Music Centre Project

Nearly 30 Calgary buskers hit the downtown core on January 26 to thank City Council for its unanimous decision to support the National Music Centre project with a $25 million commitment.

Donning bright green t-shirts that said City Hall Rocks!, the buskers caught the attention of passers by while volunteer busker buddies shared information about the project..

Community Leaders Feel the Music

Seven respected Calgary business leaders join Cantos Music Foundation Board of Directors as King Eddy project gains momentum

November 3, 2009 Calgary, AB – As Cantos Music Foundation continues to build support for its national music centre vision at the site of the King Edward Hotel, Calgary’s community leaders are marching to the beat of the organization’s rhythm.
The non-profit announced today the appointment of six business luminaries to its Board of Directors including:
 
• Desiree Bombenon, PDL Contact Centres
• Roman Cooney, Alberta Health Services
• Cam Crawford, Catalyst Chartered Accountants
• Charlie Fischer, Retired (formerly of Nexen)
• Jamie Leong-Huxley, Canada West Foundation
• Ron Mannix, Coril Holdings
• Ric Singleton, Architect

“Having leaders of this caliber on board is inspiring and exciting,” says Roger Jackson, chair of Cantos Music Foundation’s board of directors. “It speaks to the bold vision and the bright future of our organization as it expands the scope of its one-of-a-kind collection and community programming to reflect our vision to be a national catalyst for discovery, innovation and renewal through music and Canada’s only national music centre.”

The new directors each bring a specific area of expertise to the board giving the organization depth and breadth that will guide it through this phase of growth and development. Bombenon, who, in addition to being appointed a director, has also agreed to co-lead Cantos’ volunteer fundraising team to help build the national music centre. She says Cantos’ vision appealed to her professionally and personally.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with this impressive group of leaders,” she says. “And to be a part of an organization that will be a catalyst for development in the East Village as well as for music and arts locally, provincially and nationally is a thrilling opportunity.”

Desiree Bombenon is the president and COO of PDL Contact Centres Ltd., and is recognized as one of Calgary’s young business leaders. 

Roman Cooney is SVP Communications for Alberta Health Services and has a long and impressive record as a professional communicator in Calgary.

Cam Crawford is managing partner of Catalyst Chartered Accountants and Consultants and has been involved with the Canadian Country Music Historical Society, High River Economic Development Commission and the Olds College Centre for Innovation Board.

Charlie Fischer retired from his position as president and CEO of Nexen in 2008. During his time with Nexen, he helped the company become a leading oilsands player.

Jamie Leong-Huxley joined Canada West Foundation in January 2009 as its first Communication Manager, and six months later was appointed to the new role of Director of Community Engagement. A proud, fourth generation western Canadian, Jamie brings 24 years’ business, strategic planning and communication experience to the board.

Ron Mannix‘s work with his family's business has literally helped to build Alberta, while his record of community leadership has helped many of his fellow Albertans find the same balance he strives for in his own life. Ron believes that music has the most universal ability of all the arts to strengthen the human spirit. That belief, along with the love of music he inherited from his mother, led to efforts that have made Calgary an internationally-recognized centre for music.

Ric Singleton has lived and worked in Calgary for 58 of his 62 years and was a respected practicing architect for 36 years before retiring in 2008.

The seven new members join Roger C. Jackson (Chair), Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Freida Butcher (Treasurer) and Ken Bossenkool.

Cantos Music Foundation is a registered charitable organization whose vision it is to be a national catalyst for discovery, innovation and renewal through music. Cantos serves nearly 30,000 people per year – a number that’s expected to more than triple in the new facility.

Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Becomes Part of National Music Centre Vision

Cantos Music Foundation acquires Hall of Fame memorabilia to expand existing collection and tell Canada's national country music story. 

Calgary, June 24, 2009 - As part of its vision to build a national music centre on the site of the King Edward Hotel, Cantos Music Foundation has acquired the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame currently located on the Stampede Grounds.

"This acquisition marks a major milestone for Cantos," says Andrew Mosker, Cantos' executive director. "It allows us to tell an important Canadian music story and brings us one step closer to realizing our vision of creating a national music centre in Calgary's East Village."

Previously owned by Deb Buck, widow of legendary Alberta artist, producer and Hall of Fame founder Gary Buck, the acquisition builds on Cantos' one-of-a-kind music collection and will be used extensively in programming for children, seniors and everyone in between. A fact Buck says convinced her that Cantos and the Hall of Fame were a perfect fit.

"When I spent some time at Cantos and saw the way they use their collection to bring music to children, I knew this is what Gary would have wanted for the Hall of Fame," says Buck. "He wanted the artifacts and memorabilia to teach people, especially children, about country music in Canada - and Cantos is the perfect organization to do just that."

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame includes photographs and memorabilia from Canadian Country stars ranging from Hank Snow to Terri Clark as well as people who contributed to growing Canada's country music scene in other ways.  Global Country, an organization that has collected country music memorabilia of its own and displayed them in the Hall of Fame building at Stampede Park, has transferred custodianship of its artifacts to Cantos as well.

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame will be open throughout the 2009 Calgary Stampede July 3-12 at its usual location. Cantos is also currently in discussions with the Canadian Country Music Association to explore opportunities to work together in the future.

 "The possibilities are limitless," he says. "We're very much looking forward to working with the country music community in Canada and playing a role in its future as well as in its legacy."