Tony Loffreda to Return as Honorary Chair for Centaur Theatre's Season 45 Gala, Sept 24

Centaur Theatre has announced that Tony Loffreda, RBC's Regional Vice-President of Commercial and Financial Services for Western Quebec, will return as Honourary Chair for Centaur's 9th Annual Fundraising Gala.

Following the success of last year's record-breaking event, Mr. Loffreda has graciously agreed to take on the role of Honourary Gala Chair for the next three years. "Montreal is one of the finest cities in the world," enthuses Mr. Loffreda. "Centaur continuously delivers the great theatre this city deserves."

Centaur is also grateful for the support of RBC Royal Bank, who will renew their sponsorship of the event. Says Mr. Loffreda, "We at RBC believe that giving back is important, and we are glad to do so."

Mr. Loffreda has worked in the business community and the financial services industry since 1984. He has a CPA from the University of Illinois. He also sits on RBC Quebec's executive committee, HR and donations committees along with RBC's National Real Estate Capital commitments committee. Mr. Loffreda is very active in the community and has taken on many leadership roles over the years. He is a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award.

Each year, Centaur's Fundraising Gala brings together supporters of the performing arts in Montreal for a memorable evening that showcases the joy of live theatre and performance. In 2013, the event will be held on Tuesday, September 24th in Centaur's elegant Seagram Gallery, located in Montreal's historic former stock exchange building.

In 2012, Centaur hosted its most successful Gala yet, raising $180,000 in funds which are being used to support the theatre company's professional English-Language productions as well as various youth, educational and community outreach programs. Centaur employs hundreds of local artists and theatre professionals every year and plays a vital role in Montreal's cultural community. Supporters of this important event ensure that Centaur remains a leading cultural institution that nurtures and promotes English-Language theatre in Montreal.

Centaur Theatre Company is currently in its 44th Season of engaging and cutting-edge theatre productions. The Tony Award-nominated play Good People by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Lindsay-Abaire closed in December after extending its run due to popularity. Last week, Centaur opened Dance Me To The End ON/OFF Love, a dance-theatre production by Danish company Granhøj Dans. The piece celebrates the music of Leonard Cohen and runs until April 14th, 2013. Centaur encourages Montrealers to come and experience this beautiful show, as well as the other dynamic live theatre presented throughout the season.