Four Extraordinary Canadians Receive Honorary Fellowships From The Royal Conservatory Of Music

Rock legend Robbie Robertson, internationally celebrated soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, and visionary philanthropists Tim and Frances Price have been named Honorary Fellows of The Royal Conservatory. These four extraordinary Canadians received this designation - the highest conferred by The Royal Conservatory - at The Royal Occasion, the organization's signature fundraising event, presented by TELUS.

Among the highlights of The Royal Occasion were entertaining, diverse musical performances in The Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall. Among the critically acclaimed performers were Ms. Radvanovsky; JUNO Award-winning musicians Bahamas and Derek Miller; and gifted young artists from The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School and Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, as well as The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program.

The event also celebrated the Conservatory's longstanding partnership with TELUS and the 10th anniversary of the opening of the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning - The Royal Conservatory's international headquarters.

As Honorary Fellows of The Royal Conservatory, Mr. Robertson, Ms. Radvanovsky, and Mr. and Mrs. Price join a distinguished group that includes Bruce Cockburn, Sir Andrew Davis, Feist, David Foster, Leon Fleisher, k.d. lang, Oscar Peterson, Bramwell Tovey, and The Tragically Hip.

The Royal Conservatory extends a special thanks to the event sponsors of The Royal Occasion, including Presenting Sponsor TELUS and Celebration Sponsors Cossette, Gluskin Sheff + Associates, Labatt Brewing Company, Medisys Health Group, TD Bank Group, and The&Partnership.

ABOUT THE HONOUREE

Robbie Robertson has cemented his place in rock history through a series of critically acclaimed recordings with The Band. He has also toured with Bob Dylan, created music for the films of Martin Scorsese, and has been a creative executive at Dreamworks. For his cultural contributions he has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, has been named to the Order of Canada, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sondra Radvanovsky is a globally celebrated soprano beloved for the exquisite colour of her voice, her dramatic acting ability, and her versatility across a wide range of repertoire. She has performed in every major opera house in the world and released acclaimed recordings of the works of Giuseppe Verdi.

Tim and Frances Price epitomize enlightened philanthropy in the arts. Through their empowering and philanthropic leadership, they have contributed significantly to the strength of leading Canadian cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Canadian Opera Company, and the National Ballet of Canada. In 2017, along with two other couples, they launched Resounding! The Campaign for The Royal Conservatory with an unprecedented $20 million joint gift.

QUOTES FROM THE HONOUREES

Robbie Robertson

Some of my earliest memories are from just down the way on Bloor Street...I've realized after all these years and after all the work I've done, I've only come a few blocks.

When I got the music bug it was like a fever that wouldn't cool down-I think I've still got that fever.

Sondra Radvanovsky

Music has no boundaries nor limits. It doesn't judge you. It frees you. It is that freedom that hooked me.

Tim and Frances Price

If we are to have a world that continues its evolution towards civility, unity and individual growth, then we need to support our cultural institutions, as they are undoubtedly the means to achieving this goal.

We are proud to support The Royal Conservatory as an institution, which uses music and arts to unlock potential in all Canadians.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performances, and teacher education programs, the Conservatory has had a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people globally. In addition, the organization has helped to train a number of internationally celebrated artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through leadership in music and arts education, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues. For more information, please visit www.rcmusic.com.

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