(Toronto, ON) May 31, 2011 – Canada’s Walk of Fame announced today an exciting new competition offering Canadians a chance to make history and help create a song for Canada.
From June 1st to July 15th, A Song For Canada, presented by RE/MAX, is calling all Canadians to describe the true essence of the Canadian identity, and what makes them proud to be a Canadian, in a 250-word poem or essay. Hopefuls are also encouraged to submit a vocal or musical interpretation with their written content that may later be featured during the performance of the song (yet to be titled) when it is debuted nationally this October during the Canada’s Walk of Fame Televised Awards on Global and Slice.
The original score will be co-written, composed and arranged by acclaimed pianist, producer and songwriter, Stephan Moccio (“I Believe”, 2010 Vancouver Olympics theme song). Additional members of the creative team, who will be announced in the coming weeks, will work with Moccio and the winner on this exciting project.
The winner of this competition will have a minimum of one line from their submission included in the song. The idea behind the competition is to create a theme in keeping with the inspirational Canadians who are a part of Canada’s Walk of Fame. The song will reflect the spirit and values of today’s Canada and ultimately become a musical symbol of our country worldwide.
“We want to create a song in keeping with the achievements of this outstanding country that will resonate with all Canadians and inspire our children,” said Peter Soumalias, Founding Director, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “We are honoured that Stephan Moccio shares our vision and we’re confident that together with the winner of this competition, the team will create an inspiring melody that stirs the souls of Canadians for generations to come.”
A panel of esteemed judges will review all submissions and select the Top 10 eligible participants to advance to the final round. The judges include: Canadian jazz-pop singer and 2010 Allan Slaight Award recipient, Nikki Yanofsky; Stephan Moccio; Entertainment Tonight Canada co-host, Rick Campanelli and Peter Soumalias. The public will also have the opportunity to view the Top 10 submissions online and comment on their favourites.
The grand prize winner of A Song For Canada will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Moccio in addition to a cash prize of $25,000, studio recording time at Metalworks Studios valued at $10,000, plus a trip for two to Toronto to attend the 2011 Canada’s Walk of Fame Televised Awards and exclusive Inductee Ball. The winning submission will be announced in August 2011. Visit
canadaswalkoffame.com for contest details.
“I am excited to be involved with this worthwhile and unique project,” said Stephan Moccio, composer and judge. “It will be intriguing to see how Canadians react to the challenge of representing their country in a creative and compelling way, and then to translate the winner’s thoughts and ideas into a song that will hopefully stand the test of time, telling a new musical story about Canada.”
“As a proud Canadian company, RE/MAX is excited to take part in A Song for Canada. Every Canadian needs to reflect on how Canada is emerging as a leader on the world stage, and how Canada will inspire future generations of leaders.” Walter Schneider, President and Co-Founder of RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc.
About Canada’s Walk of Fame
Established in 1998, Canada’s Walk of Fame (CWOF) aims to educate, inform, and inspire through the permanent celebration of achievements in Canadian music, sport, film and television as well as the literary, visual and performing arts, and science and innovation. In 2010, CWOF expanded to include a four-day festival of music, comedy and film featuring some of Canada’s most popular and iconic performers. The annual celebration culminates in a televised awards special that honours Canada’s finest stars from the worlds of arts, entertainment and sports. Each inductee is immortalized, their names forever cemented into the sidewalks of Toronto’s Entertainment District. To-date, 131 Canadians have been honoured, including Margaret Atwood, Howie Mandel, Steve Nash, Michael J. Fox and Blue Rodeo. A complete list of inductees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame can be found at
canadaswalkoffame.com.
