In the news release, “Government of Canada supports arts and culture in the Eastern Townships region”, issued 09-Oct-2026 by Canadian Heritage over PR Newswire, we are advised by Canadian Heritage that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
Government of Canada supports arts and culture in the Eastern Townships region
Orford Music receives Government of Canada funding for its festival and annual programming
ORFORD, QC, Oct. 9, 2026 /CNW/ — Music and the arts are vital to our communities. They create jobs, support local economies and allow our artists and culture to shine in Canada and beyond.
Nestled in the heart of Mont-Orford National Park, Orford Music has brought music to life and made it accessible for 75 years, by encouraging the next generation and giving artists a place to create, perfect their craft and perform.
To help the organization promote its activities and pursue its mission, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced today $334,750 in funding, over four years, for Orford Music.
This Canada Arts Presentation Fund investment will help support the annual Orford Music Festival as well as the organization’s year-round concert programming. The organization will be able to continue presenting innovative and original programming and offering professional residencies as well as numerous activities aimed at helping the next generation and contributing to the artistic and cultural vitality of the region.
This financial assistance is in addition to $721,028 already invested through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which helped fund the renovation and modernization of the organization’s infrastructure.
Quotes
“For 75 years, Orford Music has held an important place in the Eastern Townships as well as Quebec’s cultural landscape. By supporting its festival and concert season, we are investing in our artists, our economy and a culture that brings us together and showcases Quebec and Canada beyond our borders. I congratulate Orford Music on this auspicious anniversary and thank the organization for its commitment to supporting music and our culture.”
–The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
“Orford Music is more than just a place for musical training and performance. It’s an institution in tune with our region, which allows artists from here and beyond to develop their talent and share their passion. With this investment, we are helping preserve an exceptional facility while giving it the ability to continue to evolve. It’s a great way to recognize its heritage but above all invest in its future.”
— Louis Villeneuve, Member of Parliament (Brome-Missisquoi)
“This contribution from the Government of Canada represents vital support for the mission and development of Orford Music. It allows us to pursue, in the coming years, ambitious programming focused on artistic excellence, the emergence of new talent and better access to music for an ever-growing audience. During this anniversary year, this support signifies the importance of Orford Music in Quebec’s cultural landscape. It also encourages us to continue our work with confidence and enthusiasm.”
— Françoise Parent, Executive Director, Orford Music
Quick Facts
Once known as the Orford Centre for the Arts, Orford Music is an oasis of music and art nestled in the heart of Mount Orford National Park. Every year, it hosts an international festival, a classical music summer program, as well as concerts throughout the fall and winter.
The 2026 Orford Music Festival presented 19 feature concerts, including four sold-out performances. Close to 5,000 people came out to free concerts through a series presented by Orford in numerous communities throughout the Eastern Townships. In addition, there were 35 free concerts by young musicians from the Academy, making the Festival a powerful force for cultural and community engagement.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series. It also supports organizations that offer support to arts presenters.
Associated Links
Correction: An earlier version of this release did not include the quote by Louis Villeneuve, Member of Parliament (Brome-Missisquoi).
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
