Elektra is delighted to share that Artistic Director Dr Morna Edmundson has been appointed to the Order of Canada. The citation from the Advisory Council for the Order recognizes Morna as “an inspiring mentor whose innovative programming, commissioning, and community engagement have contributed a lasting legacy for the choral community,” that has “helped establish Vancouver’s national and worldwide reputation as a choral mecca.”
“What an honour to have my work in Canada’s choral community recognized with this award, says Morna. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has brought their creative energy and voices to the four decades of musical projects that have been my pride and joy.”
Edmundson receives the Order of Canada during her illustrious final year as Elektra’s Artistic Director. The choir’s season-opening production sold out weeks in advance and, with the heightened interest surrounding her farewell season, it is anticipated that tickets for the remaining productions will be highly sought after, as local audiences flock to celebrate the choir’s artistic excellence and pay tribute to its esteemed founder.
“Elektra is thrilled to celebrate Morna’s appointment to the Order of Canada, especially now,” adds choir President Stephanie Stephenson. “Morna’s contributions to the choral community are unparallelled, and as any of our singers, staff, and community members will tell you, her love of choral music and the passion she puts into her craft are deeply inspiring to us all. On behalf of Elektra, I’d like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Morna on this phenomenal recognition of her work.”
In addition to her passion for musical excellence, Morna is a consummate organizer with highly-prized administrative skills. She currently serves as President of Choral Canada—the National Arts Service Organisation for the choral and group singing arts sector and community in Canada—and has served on the boards of Chorus America and the International Federation for Choral Music. Her past administrative highlights include being the Administrative Director for World New Music Days (an annual programme of the International Society for Contemporary Music, co-hosted in 2017 by the Canadian League of Composers and Music on Main) and serving as Administrative Director for MusicFest Vancouver.