Orchestras Canada Betty Webster Award
Learn about past award winners here: Janna Sailor (2023) | Katia Makdissi-Warren (2022) | Linda Penner (2021) | Yannick Nézet-Séguin (2020) | Claire Guimond (2019) | Bramwell Tovey (2018) | Ardyth Brott (2017) | John Gomez (2016).
Orchestras Canada has just opened nominations for the 2024 Betty Webster Award, our way of recognizing outstanding contributions to the Canadian orchestral community.
Supporting and sustaining an orchestra in Canada in the 21st century is a collective, collaborative effort, involving both high-profile artistic leaders and a significant number of people working tirelessly on stage and behind the scenes to create the conditions in which Canadian orchestras can flourish.
The Award specifically honours an individual who has made an under-recognized but sustained and significant contribution to the community of Canadian orchestras through their work, be it paid or volunteer.
In 2024, the Award will recognize an individual who has had a sustained and significant impact on music education through orchestral activities – whether in schools, conservatories, amateur ensembles, or professional orchestras. A strong nomination will clearly demonstrate the nominee’s dedication to community service through education, and commitment to learners – whether they are audience members or active musicians.
The Award includes a cash prize to be presented to the Canadian orchestra of the winner’s choice.
The nomination process is streamlined and simple. Just fill out the nomination form and send it to Boran Zaza (boran@oc.ca) by Wednesday, May 1, 2024, along with a biography of the nominee, letters of support, and a letter from the nominator outlining the qualifications of the nominee for this Award.
Please take a moment to reflect on the inspiring work being done by individuals and organizations in your community, and then take a few moments more to complete the nomination form. The Betty Webster Award is an excellent means of honouring our peers while advocating for orchestras in Canada.