THE SCOOP | Gerald Finley Made Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire

Jennifer Liu

7 years ago

Gerald Finley (Photo Sim Cannety Clarke)

As reported on CBC Music today, bass-baritone Gerald Finley was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In the accompanying remarks to the list of nominees, the Montreal and Ottawa native was cited for his contributions to opera.

In a press release statement, Finley said he was “deeply grateful” for the honour.

“My fervent wish is to continue to share with the world the joy and wonder of music that already exists and of music that is yet to come, and that singing is as important a craft and art today as it ever has been.”

“My hope is that the true art of singing, with beauty of voice and artful accomplishment, will continue to impact live audiences and will encourage audiences to share in the direct live encounter, to help soothe, uplift and guide us through unpredictable and difficult times in our personal and social environments.”

Finley’s recital performances and recordings have also drawn critical acclaim in Europe as much as in North America. He will give one Canadian performance in the 2017-18 season: Toronto’s Koerner Hall will host him in recital on April 22, alongside longtime collaborative pianist Julius Drake. The duo will be presenting Goethe settings and other songs by Beethoven, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and others.

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Jennifer Liu

Jennifer holds a master's degree in piano performance and is pursuing her degree in journalism at Carleton University. Previously, she lived for classical music in Toronto and Montreal.