"...Our U.S. neighbour can easily dominate in the arts. Canada needs creative independence in film, music, theatre, television, dance, art and even opera. The COC’s recent record in this area has not been impressive...Last week, it announced that Rufus Wainwright, the celebrated pop musician, was to be commissioned to write a new opera on the subject of Hadrian, the Roman emperor. At its announcement Mr. Neef was quoted as saying, “I’ve always deplored the useless and misguided kind of musical nationalism.” It’s easy to appreciate how this appears contemptuous and uninformed from the head of the national opera company..."

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