Twenty-four years ago, Orchestras Canada’s predecessor – the Association of Canadian Orchestras – presented the first ACO Awards, honouring outstanding contributions to Canada’s orchestral community. The list of winners reflects the breadth of the country, and the remarkable individuals and organizations that have made such a difference to our orchestras.  In 2002, the ACO Award was renamed the Betty Webster Award, as a tribute to Betty for her many years of service and outstanding contributions to Canada’s orchestral community.  Fittingly, she was the first winner of the Betty Webster award – but it didn’t stop there.  Subsequent winners of the “Bettys” have included musicians, volunteers, conductors and administrators of vision and integrity, people whose commitment has built our country’s orchestral culture.

We are now seeking nominations for the 2010 Betty Webster Award, and the Award committee (under the leadership of Vicki Young, general manager of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra) will shortly set to work.  Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2010 and the award will be presented at a public event in the winner’s community in the coming season.

Criteria:

A Nominee may be an individual or organization
Nominees will have made a significant contribution to:
a) a particular orchestra or
b) a number of different orchestras (regionally or nationally) or
c) the national orchestral community generally or through service to Orchestras Canada

A nomination form, and other relevant information about the award are available here.