Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, violinist Angèle Dubeau and tenor Ermanno Mauro are among 70 new appointees to the Order of Canada, announced this afternoon by Gov. Gen. David Johnston. Also making the list are a few of Canada’s most respected composers: Allan Gordon Bell, Stephen Chatman and Gilles Tremblay.

Since it was established by Queen Elizabeth in 1967, over 5,000 Canadians have been invested into the Order of Canada. It is one of our country’s highest honours, recognizing individuals from all sectors of society for their outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. 

Classic[al] Montrealers

Yannick Nézet-Séguin was appointed to the highest level of the order (after the Queen and the Governor General) “for his contributions to music as one of the most sought-after conductors in the world at a young age.” As a companion of the Order of Canada, he now gets to put CC after his name.

Gilles Tremblay was named an officer “for his contributions as a composer and teacher, whose work has shaped the evolution of contemporary music in Canada.”

Angèle Dubeau was promoted within the order from member to officer “for her achievements as a violinist of international stature and cultural ambassador for Canadian music.”

Italian-Canadian opera singer

Ermanno Mauro (Mississauga, Ont.), who became a naturalized Canadian in 1963, was made an officer of the order “for his accomplishments as a tenor of international stature and for sharing his wisdom with a new generation of opera singers.”

Composers from the west also inducted

Allan Gordon Bell (Cochrane, Alta.) was made a member “for his contributions to the promotion of Canada's musical excellence as a composer, teacher and volunteer.”

Stephen Chatman (Vancouver, B.C.) also became a member “for his contributions as a composer and teacher to a generation of Canadian composers.”

Nominations now being accepted

Do you know someone who deserves an appointment to the Order of Canada? Anyone is welcome to make suggestions. You’ll find details of the nomination process on the Governor General’s website. And be sure to let the CBC classical community know who you’re nominating in the comments below.

 

Related:

Janina Fialkowska launches album, receives Governor General’s Award

1967: First Order of Canada appointments announced

Angèle Dubeau's Hollywood CD taps into Oscar fever

posted by Scott Tresham on Jun 29, 2012