The Bruneau Centre for Excellence in Choral Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland is being created through a generous donation of $1 million from Drs. Jean and Angus Bruneau. The announcement was made recently at Memorial’s School of Music on the university’s St. John’s campus.

The new centre will promote and foster research and community projects that seek to understand, encourage and enhance the powerful impact that choral singing can have on individuals and communities. It will support projects that have the potential to stimulate excellence in community music-making locally, nationally and internationally.

“This generous gift from Drs. Jean and Angus Bruneau will provide our students, faculty and community with first-rate choral opportunities and resources,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial University. “The centre will foster choral research and professional development through internships, participation in national and international festivals and through collaborations with the world’s finest choral artists.

“The Bruneaus’ continued support for Memorial over the years has had a significant positive impact on our students,” he said. “I thank them once again for being such great friends to our university.”

Dr. Ellen Waterman, dean of Memorial’s School of Music, also welcomed the gift.

“The Bruneaus have a wonderful vision for choral music in Newfoundland that builds on an already existing tradition of excellence,” said Dr. Waterman. “They recognize that choral music is right at the heart of musical culture; by singing in choirs, people build strong communities and express their identities. This centre will engage university and community researchers and musicians in a range of far-reaching projects. It’s a tremendous opportunity!”