Professor Patricia Parr and alumnus Wayne Strongman named to Order of Canada

07 January 2010 - Faculty member Professor Patricia Parr and alumnus Wayne Strongman (MA Music 1974, MusBac 1971) are among the 57 new appointments to the Order of Canada, this country's highest civilian honour for outstanding lifetime achievement, announced December 30 by Governor General Michaëlle Jean.

A pianist, teacher and composer, Parr is praised for her contributions as a pianist and as one of Canada's finest chamber musicians, notably with the Amici Chamber Ensemble. Together with cellist David Hetherington and clarinetist Jaoquin Valdepeñas, colleagues in the Faculty of Music, she formed Amici in 1985, with its first concert at Harbourfront. The ensemble was appointed trio-in-residence at the faculty in 1989 and has toured the Maritimes, the United States, Eastern Europe and Mexico; it also continues to perform locally in Ontario and Quebec.

One of Canada’s most distinguished music directors, Wayne Strongman is a champion of Canadian writers and composers. As founding Managing Artistic Director of Tapestry new opera works, now celebrating 30 seasons of innovative creation for the stage, he has commissioned and premiered over 30 new Canadian operas. Mr. Strongman volunteers as the choral conductor for the Regent Park School of Music, has led a number of festivals across the province as Artistic Director, and has served on both the Ontario Region and National Council of the Canadian Music Centre and was honoured in 2009 as one of 50 CMC Ambassadors for his dedication to the performance of music by Canadian composers.

With the motto desiderantes meliorem patriam -- they desire a better country -- the Order of Canada is the centerpiece of Canada's honours system and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Founded in 1967, the order has three levels of membership -- companion, officer and member -- to honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the chief justice of Canada; the governor general is chancellor and principal companion.

Links:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/campus-news/u-of-t-faculty-alumni-named-to-order-of-canada.html
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13469
http://www.tapestrynewopera.com/