Canada honours Labadie

Askonas Holt client Bernard Labadie, founder and director of the orchestra Les Violons du Roy and the chamber choir La Chapelle de Québec, has been named winner of the National Arts Award by the Banff Centre in Banff, Alta, reports the CBC news today. "The National Arts Award celebrates his leadership of one of this country's most important chamber ensembles, but also his remarkable influence on the preservation and development of classical music repertoire," Sarah Iley, Banff Centre vice president of programming, said in a statement released Wednesday.

The award, which includes a two-week creative residency at Banff and a cash prize, is given annually to recognize individuals who have made a contribution to the arts in Canada. Les Violons du Roy performs modern interpretations of 17th and 18th century compositions and has become central to Quebec's music scene under Labadie's direction. In Europe, Mr. Labadie guest conducts and tours with the Les Violons du Roy to most of the important cities and venues.

5 June, 2008

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