Tryon named to Order of Canada
Ancaster pianist celebrated for her music and role as educator, builder of classical culture
An internationally acclaimed pianist from Ancaster has been named to the Order of Canada.
British-born Valerie Tryon, 83, was one of 125 new appointments announced Friday by Governor General Julie Payette.
“Of course, I’m delighted,” Tryon said when reached at her home Friday evening.
The latest round of appointments is heavy on Canadians with accomplishments in science and medicine, including Bernard (Barry) Sherman, founder of the generic drug giant Apotex.
Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their Toronto home Dec. 15, and their deaths have been deemed “suspicious.”
One of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada was established in 1967 to coincide with Canada’s centennial.
For Tryon, she had to keep news of the honour a secret after being notified by the Governor General’s office about a month ago.
She said she doesn’t usually answer the phone when it’s a number she doesn’t recognize, but for some reason, this time she did.
“To tell you the truth, I thought they were telemarketers,” Tryon said with a laugh.
“I couldn’t believe it when they gave me the good news.”
Tryon has lived in Canada since 1971 and is a Canadian citizen.
She is being inducted as a member because of her internationally celebrated career as a pianist along with her contributions as an educator and builder of classical music culture.
She said it means a “great deal” to be recognized in a country in which she wasn’t born.
“It’s wonderful to be accepted and honoured before I die.”
Tryon began her career as a concert pianist and recording artist in England in the 1950s and has toured throughout North America and Europe.
She was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards in June.
Tryon moved to Hamilton to take a position as an associate professor of music at McMaster University in the 1970s.
She was named the first McMaster artist in residence in 1980 and was presented with an honorary doctorate by the university in 2006.