ORGANISERS of the annual New England Bach Festival are looking forward to staging their 2014 concerts after receiving an $8000 boost from the NSW Government.
Announcing the financial backing last week, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the festival would bring leading baroque performers to Armidale to perform as groups and in collaboration with local professional musicians.
He said the visiting performers would also conduct workshops for local students.
“This funding is great news for the festival, which opens up opportunities for people across this region to experience and participate in a wonderful music program,” Mr Marshall said.
“I commend the organisers on the work they do to make this such a successful festival and trust this funding boost will make next year’s event bigger and better.”
New England Bach Festival Artistic Director Dr Benjamin Thorn said the funding was welcome recognition of the yearly event.
“This is really useful funding to receive and a great recognition of the Festival,” Dr Thorn said.
“This will be the seventh festival held and it is an important part of Armidale’s musical landscape.”
Mr Marshall said the funding was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to providing continuing support to the State’s arts and cultural sectors.
He said the Government had set a target under the NSW 2021 strategic plan to increase participation in arts and cultural activities in rural and regional NSW by 10 per cent from 2010 to 2016.
“The New England Bach Festival is one of 62 arts and cultural organisations across the State to be awarded funding for their programs, which is aimed at encouraging people to get involved,” Mr Marshall said.
