Masters of Ceremonies, Performers Announced for Titanic Commemorative Events

Nova Scotians and visitors will be able to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking in a unique Atlantic Canadian way.

"As Atlantic Canadians, it's part of our culture to lend a hand and help recognize the important moments in our history," said David Wilson, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. "We encourage everyone to participate in the free, public events to commemorate the anniversary."

Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent will host Titanic Eve - Night of the Bells on Saturday, April 14, at 9:30 p.m. in the Grand Parade, Halifax. Known for his recent roles in the films Away from Her and The Shipping News and the television show Republic of Doyle, Mr. Pinsent grew up in Grand Falls, N.L., and became an officer of the Order of Canada in 1979. He was promoted to companion of the Order of Canada in 1998.

The Marconi Company wireless station at Cape Race, in Mr. Pinsent's home province of Newfoundland, received wireless messages from the Titanic and helped relay messages during the sinking and rescue efforts.

Twenty-one performers and musical groups, including Laura Smith, Lennie Gallant, John Gracie, the Stadacona Band of the Maritime Forces Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, will perform at the event.

A moment of silence will be held at 12:27 a.m., marking the time recorded when the last wireless messages from the Titanic were received. The Cape Race wireless station logged message times in Eastern Standard Time, an hour earlier than Atlantic time. Flares will be set off to symbolize the ship's call for help. The timing of the event has been changed to more accurately reflect the Log of RMS Titanic Wireless Messages.

George Jordan, actor, narrator, broadcaster and program producer, will host The Gathering on April 14, at 7:30 p.m., at the waterfront side of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. People will gather at that site before starting a walking, candle-lit procession to the Grand Parade to join the Titanic Eve - Night of the Bells event.

From the museum, the procession will move along Lower Water Street, left onto George, left onto Hollis, right onto Prince, right onto Argyle and into the Grand Parade.

Dave MacIsaac, Louis Benoit, the Camerata Xara Young Women's Choir and the RCMP Pipes and Drum band will perform at the Titanic Spiritual Ceremony on Sunday, April 15, at 3 p.m. at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax. Members of the Canadian Coast Guard will also attend.

"All of the performers have really come together to mark the occasion," said Ken Pinto, executive director, Titanic 100. "We extend our thanks to them and we look forward to hosting a series of memorable events in April."

A Canadian sugar maple tree will be planted at the cemetery as part of the interfaith memorial service. The tree symbolizes Nova Scotia and Canada's role in the tragedy. The Canadian sugar maple leaf is the same leaf that appears on the Canadian flag.

For a complete list of performers and more information on Titanic commemorative events, visit www.novascotia.com/titanic .

To volunteer for events from April 7 to 15 in Halifax Regional Municipality, visit www.eventsnovascotia.com/nsvolunteertool .