Segal Centre Gala

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts to be officially inaugurated with ribbon cutting ceremony August 19^th.

Mayor Tremblay to attend event co chaired by Isabelle Hudon and Simon Brault

Montreal, August 11 2008 - On June 1, 2007, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts officially came into existence. Just over a year later renovations are now complete and final touches are being made to the new facility. On August 19^th, at 8:30 pm, the Centre will officially open its doors to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of the Montreal Board of Trade and Simon Brault, President, Culture Montreal and Vice-Chair, the Canada Council for the Arts, in the presence of Mr. Alvin and Mrs. Leanor Segal and Mayor Gerald Tremblay,

’ÄúFor Simon and myself, it is a great honour to be co chairing this gala event,’Äù said Ms. Hudon. ’Äú The gala is not only a celebration of culture itself but also an important occasion at which to honour the support of the arts by the business community in particular, something that is so vital to the continued vibrancy of arts and culture in our city.’Äù

Simon Brault echoed Hudon’Äôs sentiments, saying ’Äúwe are very fortunate that a new trend has emerged in our city whereby the private sector has become more engaged with the arts and culture milieu, not just as givers, but as active participants in what our artists of today and tomorrow are proposing for our city’Äôs future. It is truly a unique and timely event.’Äù

Indeed, the foundation of the new Segal Centre is built upon the belief and vision of Alvin and Leanor Segal that the arts and culture are not an option. ’ÄúA thriving arts and culture milieu are proof that a community is alive and well and looking to the future,’Äù they said.

’ÄúLeanor and Alvin Segal have blazed a trail that allows those of us working in the arts and culture milieu the opportunity to dream big,’Äù said Bryna Wasserman, Artistic and Executive Director of the Segal Centre. ’ÄúIt is our wish to have the Segal Centre become a home for arts and culture as diverse as our community itself,’Äù she added, ’Äú and it is only by joining together with the community at large, with the business community in particular, that our wishes can be realized.’Äù

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts is built upon a structure of five pillars: The award-winning Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, producing six professional English language plays per season to which 3500 patrons are currently subscribing; The world renowned Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre, now celebrating it’Äôs fiftieth season; The Academy, where acclaimed professionals are nurturing talent in music, dance, theatre, media and circus arts; the Studio, a flexible multi-purpose venue to serve as a home for the diversity of Montreal artists; and the CinemaSpace and ArtLounge, Montreal’Äôs newest boutique arts venue and oasis for artists.