CONSERVATORY CANADA HONOURS MAUREEN FORRESTER WITH POSTHUMOUS HONOURARY
LICENTIATE DIPLOMA
LONDON, ON, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - Conservatory Canada is pleased to announce the awarding of its 2011 Honourary Licentiate Diploma to Canada's "Grande Dame of Song," contralto Maureen Forrester.
The posthumous honour was accepted by Forrester's daughter, Gina Dineen, at Conservatory Canada's annual convocation ceremony, held November 13 in Vancouver. Forrester died in Toronto at the age of 79 in June 2010.
"Maureen Forrester was a Canadian music icon," says Conservatory Canada executive director Victoria Warwick. "She was someone with an international career, yet she never lost her connection with Canada or Canadian music. Indeed, she was a champion of both."
Those qualities made Forrester the ideal recipient of the honourary licentiate diploma, awarded annually to a Canadian who has made a significant impact on Canadian music and education, Warwick says.
Dineen accepted the diploma on behalf of her entire family, fondly remembering her mother's sense of humour, generosity of spirit and love of life, as well as her ability to captivate an audience.
Forrester's friend and colleague, Canadian mezzo-soprano Judith Forst, also shared stories from their time on and off the stage.
Born into a working-class family in Montreal, Forrester made her professional debut with the Montreal Elgar Choir in 1951 and went on to become one of the world's leading contraltos.
Throughout her illustrious career, Forrester remained a loyal supporter of Canadian culture, performing music by Canadian composers on her recital programs and working on behalf of dozens of arts organizations including the Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet of Canada, The National Film Board and The Canada Council for the Arts, which she chaired from 1983 to 1988.
"Her tireless devotion to the recognition and advancement of music and musicians in Canada is an inspiration to everyone at Conservatory Canada, particularly to our young, aspiring singers," Warwick says.
About Conservatory Canada
Conservatory Canada is a national charitable organization that focuses on advancing the Performing Arts through music education. With roots dating back to 1891, our accredited centre of excellence promotes musical achievement through a comprehensive program of study, evaluation and recognition for students and teachers in every region of Canada.
For further information:
For more information: Victoria Warwick, Conservatory Canada National Executive Director, [email protected], 519.433.3147,www.conservatorycanada.ca
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