Robert Cooper, Artistic Director Orpheus Choir, has been awarded the 2016 Distinguished Service Award by Choral Canada. The award is given every two years in recognition of significant and transformative service in building, nurturing and promoting choral music in Canada. Previous winners include John Barron (2014), Iwan Edwards (2012), Howard Dyck (2004), and Dr Elmer Iseler (1990).
The Jury summarised Cooper’s contributions to choral arts throughout Canada and commended him for his lifelong commitment to choral music throughout the country and beyond. “His meticulous preparation of choirs, innovative programming and diverse experience have equipped him to masterfully serve the choral communities in which he has worked.”
Beyond his work in the choral community, Cooper has worked on over 150 operas, symphonic concerts, and was an advocate of choral music as producer of Choral Concert on CBC. He has been involved on the Boards of Choirs Ontario, Choral Canada, Chorus America, IFCM and the World Choir Council. He has mentored countless young singers with the National Youth Choir of Canada, the Ontario Youth Choir, the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, and the Orpheus Choir’s Vocal Apprentice and Sidgwick Scholar Programs.
The Orpheus Choir of Toronto stated they were honoured to work with Robert Cooper, and called him an “extraordinary artistic director, conductor, teacher and mentor.”
#LUDWIGVAN
Want more updates on Toronto-centric classical music news and review before anyone else finds out? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Facebook for all the latest.
- THE SCOOP | Royal Conservatory’s Dr. Peter Simon Awarded The Order Of Ontario - January 2, 2024
- THE SCOOP | Order of Canada Appointees Announced, Including Big Names From The Arts - December 29, 2023
- Ludwig Van Is Being Acquired By ZoomerMedia - June 12, 2023