Canada gives millions to music majors (classical included)

Billboard reports that the government of Ontario has just allocated C$14 million (US$11.5) to 123 music companies, including the world’s largest.

The grants include Universal Music Canada Inc. ($1.2 million), Warner Music Canada Co. ($750,000), Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. ($475,000) … and The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall ($200,000 and $175,000).

Justifying the awards, Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport, told Billboard: ‘We want to make sure that groups like Universal and the other multi-nationals are developing Canadian-based artists. For example, the Canadian Tenors* are recording here in Ontario, versus previously, their last album was cut in Europe. It’s about making sure that there’s an incentive to keep our talent here and allowing them to record in Canada.’

He added: ‘Ten years ago no one knew an international star like Drake or people like Justin Bieber. These are people 10 years ago that were just learning the craft, breaking into the scene, and here they are now with top 10 hits internationally. So we need to continue to support those artists and the business side of that art form as well. It’s a very important piece for us.’

* Wikipedia: The Tenors (formerly known as The Canadian Tenors) are a vocal quartet consisting of Remigio Pereira, Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters, and Clifton Murray.

Doesn’t the Govt know they are ‘formerly the Canadian Tenors’?