9th of March 2021
Press release for immediate release – March 9, 2021
Rouyn-Noranda, March 9, 2021 – Last March, Festival des Guitares du Monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue was one of the first festivals to cancel their event due to the pandemic. Despite this cancellation, the organizing committee surprised their festival-goers with a series of virtual musical “rendez-vous” held during the previously planned week of May. These virtual intimate concerts of some of our most favourite artists virtually wooed our fans each night during a time when all concert halls were closed.
Today, relying on actual facts, the Festival announces the 2021 edition report to be held in a few months. Initially set for May 29th to June 5th, this year’s event will move to the fall and will be presented at the end of September or the beginning of October. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed.
“ We strongly believe in holding our event. We are aware of our Festival-goers desires that their festival be held as quickly as possible, but also in a most safe manner. This is why the dates changes are so essential this year. We will return to our normal dates in May 2022 ”, stated Jean Royal the festival’s president.
The Festival team discussed the best possible option and the fall option seems to be the most realistic. This actual scenario is to offer a hybrid Festival with artists performing on stage with spectators in the hall and also virtual concerts.
“ There certainly will be adjustments made which we hope will be announced in the next few weeks. We are required to reduce seating capacity in response to public health safety norms. This supports our wish to present virtual concerts in order to reach the highest possible number of spectators . We are fortunate to have the technical expertise, a well-equipped venue and an experienced team at Le Petit Theatre to assist in offering top quality virtual concerts ”, added Jean Royal.
As for the program, it will be adapted and emphasis will be placed on Canadian artists. And, most certainly the organizing committee promises surprises in the presentations of the virtual international concerts. And, if the present situation permits, we hopefully will present a one night event at the end of May – a taste of what’s to come this autumn.
“ With this year’s date change, we hopefully will be in a more safe situation which would allow the team to plan a more familiar back -to-normal Festival. We are motivated but cautious. We can sense the support of our partners and passionate followers. We also have the support of other Rouyn-Noranda cultural events who understand our date changes even though these changes closely follow each other’s events. Their knowledge and experience of proper pandemic sanitary procedures will greatly assist our team when it will be our time to present our festival ”, stated Nathalie Grenier, the Festival’s director.
Always in an action mode, the organizing committee will continue to fine tune its 2021 scenario during the next following weeks in order to announce more precise details as quickly as possible.
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Source : FGMAT
Renée Arsenault, communications manager
Festival des Guitares du Monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
819 797-8288 | [email protected]