Carleton, Finley, Bennett collect Orders
Governor general honours Westben Theatre founders, Orchestras Canada executive director
Peterborough’s Katherine Carleton, executive director of the Peterborough-based Orchestras Canada, and Westben Theatre founders Donna Bennett and Brian Finley were among the Order of Canada recipients honoured with medals at a ceremony Friday morning at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The members of the Tragically Hip, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek and comedian David Steinberg were also among the Order of Canada recipients honoured by Governor General Julie Payette.
Kingston, Ont., natives Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair and the late Gord Downie were made members of the Order of Canada for their cultural contributions to the nation and work on behalf of social and environmental causes.
Downie was previously honoured during a ceremony at Ride au Hall in June for his work in raising awareness of Indigenous issues.
Tr ebek, originally from Sud bury, Ont., was made an officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his “iconic television work” and commitment to educational, environmental and humanitarian causes.
“Katherine Carleton is an important voice for Canadian artists and musicians,” states her Order of Canada citation.
“In a career spanning 30 years, she has worked as a clarinetist, teacher and administrator, most recently as head of Orchestras Canada. Regarded as an articulate arts advocate, she has helped raise the profile of classical music and unify the arts sector in a changing cultural landscape. Her initiatives, including the creation of the Performing Arts Alliance of Canada, have promoted crossdisciplinary advocacy, driven national arts policy and established professional development for leaders in the sector.”
“Donna Bennett and Brian Finley have created a cultural cornerstone in rural Ontario ,” their Order of Canada citation states.
“After pursuing their individual performance careers, this musical duo established Westben, a performing arts festival in the Trent Hills region. Thanks to their vision and leadership, the festival has brought together both professional and amateur musicians, exposed local audiences to music of the highest calibre, and achieved artistic excellence. Their work has contributed to community building in the region, and has played an important role in supporting Canadian music and emerging artists.”
Their appointments were first announced last December.