Mayor John Tory will be presenting the Key to the City to seven people selected for their significant contributions to the City of Toronto.
The Key to the City is the highest honour that it can bestow upon on an individual or a group.
Among the seven being honoured is outgoing Toronto Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Peter Oundjian.
According to a statement by the city, Oundjian was selected for “invigorating the TSO with recordings, tours, and innovative programming during his tenure. He has also found ways to grow the audience and improve appeal of the TSO which has strengthened the ensemble’s presence and popularity around the world.”
The full list of recipients are:
• Zanana Akande, politician and community leader
• Susan Gapka, community activist
• Wilmot (Wil) and Judy Matthews, philanthropists
• Pat Moore, community advocate
• Peter Oundjian, musician/conductor
• Fran Sonshine, philanthropist.
“This group of outstanding individuals is made up of leaders, community builders, trailblazers and role models,” said Mayor Tory. They have enriched our city in untold ways and we are forever grateful for their work and commitment toward making Toronto a better place.”
During his tenure as Mayor, Tory has presented only four Keys to the City to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Paul Beeston, Rush, and Drake (Aubrey Graham).
Soon to become Conductor Emeritus, Oundjian’s final season will be celebrated with a month-long musical celebration of his career beginning this June.