Celebrating
Portuguese Culture Through Music
By
Hon. David Kilgour, Member of Parliament
for Edmonton Southeast
Secretary
of State (Latin America and Africa)
Portuguese
Musical Society Edmonton
Edmonton
May
5, 2001
This anniversary illustrates not only the
achievements of your organization, but also
the role of the Portuguese community in
Edmonton.
The
culture is rich. Some of the greatest explorers come
to mind: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who not
only took part in expeditions which brought
him to what is know today as Guatemala and
Mexico, but is credited with discovering the
Californian coast.
Over
200 million people speak Portuguese in
Europe, Africa, Asia, as well as Latin
America.
That makes it the fifth most spoken
language in the world, after Mandarin,
English, Hindi and Spanish.
Enriching Edmonton
Here
in Alberta, your community has also made its
mark. The
community has helped enrich the unique
character of this city and province.
The
Portuguese language has crossed Portugal
boundaries in part to emigration trends and
various expeditions.
Music has the potential of reaching
even more people.
As a universally accepted art form,
transcending all boundaries, it provides a
medium through which history and folklore
can be told.
Whether we are listening Carlos
Seixas' compositions of the 19th
century or recent pieces of the late Joly
Braga Santos, each is of reflection of the
times, but gives listeners insights into the
evolution of the Portuguese culture.
Role of Music
One
of the main reasons why music has such an
impact on our society is that it crosses
generational boundaries.
What better way to capture a young
child's imagination.
Learning lyrics or traditional dances
to various melodies is a perfect way to
instills traditions in a child.
Music teaches children their
heritage.
Music
can trigger memories.
A parent or senior can use music as a
way to explain history, ensuring the younger
generations have an understanding of their
roots.
This organization is an excellent way
for all of you to preserve your culture,
ensuring not only that your children have a
sense of their heritage, but that others in
the community also learn of this history and
contributions to the continuing growth of
this country.
Through
the years, the Portuguese Musical Society
has evolved into an important part of the
community.
Your participation in events such as
the Klondike Days and the Heritage Days has
helped others learn more about your culture
and traditions.
Canadians pride themselves on having
policies promoting multiculturalism.
Your participation in such community
events ensures that Portuguese community
continues to be a vital part of not only
Alberta's, but Canada's cultural mosaic.
Twenty-five
years is something to celebrate.
On behalf of the Canadian government,
I wish you continued success!
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