The York Chamber Ensemble has received a $12,000 grant from the province's Resilient Communities Fund to help the local music group recover from the pandemic.
“The performing arts was particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “I am proud of our government’s initiative to help not-for-profits like the York Chamber Ensemble realize their own digital transformation to entertain audiences and showcase our local talent here in our community and beyond.”
The Resilient Communities Fund is part of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Gallagher Murphy announced the grant at the ensemble's annual holiday concert on Dec. 3 in Newmarket. The group already received the grant earlier this year.
When concerts were not permitted during the pandemic, the ensemble shifted to recording music and presenting concerts digitally, with the help of dedicated volunteers and donated equipment.
The virtual performances allowed the ensemble to reach new audiences outside of the area.
"I was shocked by the support we received from family and friends around the world,” said Michael Berec, music director of the York Chamber Ensemble. “These supporters, who had no means of physically attending concerts, were now able to join us for unforgettable performances."
The ensemble used the grant funding to purchase recording equipment so it can continue to reach audiences digitally and stay connected with the changing needs of the community.
The York Chamber Ensemble's next concert is on March 25, 2023 with another one on May 6, 2023.