Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the official opening of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts which will occur on February 28. The centre will be a home for Richmond Hill's diverse arts community and will present an array of artists from across Canada and around the world.
A strong economy must be strong in arts and culture, which is why I continuously supported this important endeavour.
Opening night will feature Canadian superstar, Louise Pitre, the debut of the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra and the 130 voice choir from the Bayview Secondary School.
Planning for the 2009-2010 season is already under way and will include touring Broadway productions, internationally renowned performers and the world premier of a new work from Modern Times Stage Company.
The centre will be a great addition to Richmond Hill and will also be the largest and the most technologically sophisticated performance venue in York region.
I would like to acknowledge the leadership of the mayor and council and Michael Grit, the theatre manager.
As Canada's former prima ballerina, Karen Kain, put it well.“Where the arts flourish, life flourishes, where the arts are ignored, life is impoverished”.