Evening @ Government House with Nova Voce
The first floor of Government House will be open to the public for tours and guests will be invited into the Ballroom to watch Nova Voce perform throughout the evening.
Government House is the ceremonial home of all Nova Scotians. It is also the residence of the Lieutenant Governor, who serves as The Queen's representative in Nova Scotia. Government House has cultural and historic significance because it is the oldest official residence in Canada. Most of the materials that were used to build the House in 1805, including stones, wood, sand and bricks, are from various regions spanning the province.
A central mission of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is to celebrate the history, diversity and culture of Nova Scotia, including its many artists. During Nocturne, we would like to offer guests with the opportunity to view our art collection, featuring works by Nova Scotian artists such as Alan Syliboy, and enjoy the architecture and cultural artifacts preserved at Government House. To add to the experience, Nova Voce, a Nova Scotian choir that has been active since 2004, will perform in the Ballroom. Guests may have a seat and listen to the music for as long as they would like. Nova Voce has delighted audiences through joint performances with Symphony Nova Scotia, SNS Chorus, the Aeolean Singers, the Stadacona Band, the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir, The Halifax Boys’ Honour Choir, Soundtrax, Nova Sinfonia, and many others.
This is a particularly special year, as we are celebrating The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years of service to Canada. During this unprecedented and historic event, guests can view photos of several Royal Tours to Nova Scotia, celebrating The Queen's ongoing relationship with the province.
In the past, Government House has opened for casual tours and featured artists during Nocturne. We typically have up to 3,000 guests during the festival and it serves as a highlight for the Household each year.
Through a performance by Nova Voce, combined with public tours of Government House, we celebrate the legacy of Nova Scotian musicians, visual artists and architects, along with a look back at the long-standing relationship between Her Majesty The Queen and residents of the province. We hope that the evening will inspire others to create and engage with art and Nova Scotian history, as this work contributes to the ongoing evolution of our collective cultural identity.
