It was a big week for Canadian flutists!
Congratulations to flutist Robert Cram, first-ever recipient of the Ontario Arts Council’s Oskar Morawetz Award for Excellence in Music Performance. Mr. Cram received the award late last week, during the opening concert of the University of Ottawa Orchestra’s 2009-10 season. Mr. Cram, an active advocate for new and Canadian music, was the principal flutist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra for 23 years. He has been equally committed to solo work, appearing with NACO and many other Canadian orchestras. He is the founder and artistic director of the Pierrot Concerts, an organization devoted to developing and performing contemporary Canadian music and music theatre works, and a dozen or more pieces have been written for him by composers including Harry Somers, Gilles Tremblay, Jacques Hétu, Steven Gellman, Patrick Cardy and Melissa Hui.
Congratulations as well to flutist, composer and conductor Robert Aitken, the winner of the 2009 Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts. The $50,000 prize, administered and presented by the Canada Council for the Arts, recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by Canadian artists who have spent the major part of their career in Canada in theatre, dance or music. In awarding the prize to Mr. Aitken, the committee said, “A masterly force in the world of contemporary Canadian music, Robert Aitken has demonstrated for over half a century a tireless commitment to its development, performance and promotion in every corner of the globe. As a flutist, composer, interpreter and teacher, he is a distinguished innovator and continues to exert a strong influence on upcoming generations.”
Last weekend, Symphony Nova Scotia Music Director Bernhard Gueller (not a flutist: Maestro Gueller started his musical life as a cellist) was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by Halifax’s Dalhousie University. Dalhousie University’s honorary degrees are awarded to recognize individuals who, by their example of extraordinary achievements and service to society, provide inspiration and models of leadership and integrity to Dalhousie’s student body. Gueller, who recently renewed his contract with Symphony Nova Scotia for another five years, is recognized for his inspiring leadership of the Symphony and the connection he makes with audiences. “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this degree,” says Gueller. “I see it as a wonderful recognition of the work done by all of us at Symphony Nova Scotia.”
Nurhan Arman, Music Director of Sinfonia Toronto, has announced the appointment of Susan Lam as the orchestra’s new General Manager. Ms Lam comes from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra where she worked as Artist Liaison and Assistant to Artistic Administration.
