Colin Roswell Clarke, Artistic Director of the Royal Conservatory’s Oscar Peterson Program, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada. Clarke’s appointment is one of many in this round that recognize key figures in the arts and culture sector.
Clarke, C.M. , is a native of Oakville, Ontario, and is also the founder and artistic director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program. The official announcement notes:
“Beloved by students, conductors and composers alike, he is a transformational educator who has made learning and playing music accessible to underserved groups in the Greater Toronto Area.”
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been recognized and am humbled to know that the work that I am passionate about resonates with others. This is a joyous occasion, raising the profile on the importance of music and music education, and I feel blessed for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth every day,” said Colin Clarke, Artistic Director, The Oscar Peterson Program of The Royal Conservatory in a statement.
The Oscar Peterson Program is a scholarship program that offers high-quality comprehensive musical training, 100% tuition-free. Clarke was appointed as Artistic Director of the Program in January 2022.
“On behalf of The Royal Conservatory of Music, I wholeheartedly offer my sincerest congratulations to Colin on his well-deserved appointment to the Order of Canada. Under his leadership, The Royal Conservatory’s Oscar Peterson Program has been transformational in offering the highest calibre of music education to underserved youth and we could not be prouder,” said Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory.
Arts & Culture Appointments
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to recognize people who’ve made notable and sustained contributions to Canada, cutting across all sectors of society.
The appointment was made by her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and a patron of The Royal Conservatory, and was one of 88 new appointments to the Order of Canada.
The arts and culture sector are strongly represented in the list of appointees.
To the rank of Officers
- Ronald Frank Burnett, O.C., O.B.C. (Vancouver, British Columbia): President emeritus of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and a leader in the field of arts education.
- Stan Douglas, O.C. (Vancouver, British Columbia): a multimedia artist who has represented Canada at many international exhibitions including the 2022 Venice Biennale, and shown around the world.
- Maureen Ann Jennings, O.C. (Toronto, Ontario): an author best known fo the Detective Murdoch series that was developed into the long-running TV show.
- Dominique Alice Lemieux, O.C. (deceased) (Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton, Quebec): an internationally recognized costume designer, part of the Cirque du Soleil creative team.
- Randy Lennox, O.C. ( Oakville, Ontario): music, media and entertainment executive who led Universal Music Canada and Bell Media, among other prominent companies.
- Heather Rankin, O.C. (Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia): singer, songwriter, and member of The Rankin Family.
- Ryan Reynolds, O.C., O.B.C. (Vancouver, British Columbia and New York, NY, USA): yes, that Ryan Reynolds, noted as much for his philanthropy as his acting skills.
To the rank of Members
- Ruth Elsie Abernethy, C.M. (Wellesley, Ontario): an internationally known sculptor known for her life-size bronze pieces.
- Donald Alder, C.M. ( Vancouver, British Columbia): a noted acoustic fingerstyle guitarist who has dedicated part of his practice to raising awareness, as well as developing access, for people with physical challenges.
- Fabienne Colas, C.M. ( Carignan, Quebec): a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts and culture sector, including in film.
- Morna Edmundson, C.M. (Vancouver, British Columbia): award-winning choral director and the co-founder of the Elektra Women’s Choir.
- Isolde Lagacé, C.M. (Montréal, Quebec): renowned as a music promoter and presenter throughout the province and beyond, former executive and artistic director of Arte Musica and Bourgie Hall.
- Richard Rose, C.M. (Toronto, Ontario): artistic director and theatrical producer noted for developing new works.
- Chloé Sainte-Marie, C.M. (Montréal, Quebec): a multidisciplinary artist who became known first as an actress, then a musician, and later as founder of the Maisons Gilles-Carle and advocate for caregivers.
- Mark Zuehlke, C.M. (Victoria, British Columbia): former journalist, and noted author of popular military history, along with the Elias McCann mystery series.
Find the full list of appointments [HERE].
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