In a statement to the House of Commons today, I recognized an extraordinary achievement by Nova Scotia’s own ScotianAires Chorus and the Synergy Quartet. Earlier this month in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Synergy Quartet was crowned the 2025 Queens of Harmony at the international Harmony competition, representing Eastern Canada on the world stage and winning against top quartets from across North America. This marks the first time since 1993 that a quartet from Area 1, which represents Atlantic Canada, has earned this title and only the third time in history for the region. Their victory showcases incredible musical excellence and the strength of women-led arts communities in Nova Scotia.

Read the complete statement below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary achievement by Nova Scotia’s own ScotianAires Chorus and the Synergy Quartet.

Earlier this month in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Synergy Quartet was crowned the 2025 Queens of Harmony at the international Harmony competition, representing Eastern Canada on the world stage and winning against top quartets from across North America.

This is the first time since 1993 that a quartet from Area 1, which represents Atlantic Canada, has earned this title and only the third time in history for the region.

The quartet includes Sue Kember, Director of the ScotianAires, and Jennifer Cleveland, alongside Adèle Merit, Director of the Valley Voices Chorus, and Corinna Garrick, Associate Director of the ScotianAires.

Their victory showcases not only incredible musical excellence, but the strength of women-led arts communities in Nova Scotia.

I congratulate Synergy Quartet, the ScotianAires Chorus, and everyone involved on bringing home this well-deserved international honour!