December 12, 2015

Publication title: Montreal Gazette, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Susan Schwartz

Applause: Sun Life, Sarah McLachlan cheer for Youth on Stage program

A $50,000 donation from Sun Life Financial is helping the Young Musicians of the World program launch Youth on Stage, which gives students from disadvantaged families the opportunity to perform on stage and build confidence and self-esteem through music.

Youth on Stage will be open to the 650 people participating in Young Musicians of the World through its schools in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Kitcisakik, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Each music school is located in a community facing multiple socio-economic problems and few cultural opportunities; the schools provide free music lessons, activities involving musical expression, and individual support.
The announcement was made Nov. 19 in Montreal, with Grammy and Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan in attendance. “Ms. McLachlan is not only a talented artist, but a philanthropist who believes that music can change a person’s life,” said Diane Lafontaine, assistant vice-president, marketing and communications, for Sun Life Financial. “The Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver, of which Sun Life Financial is also a partner, was founded on these beliefs, a shared vision with Young Musicians of the World.”