The Canadian League of Composers, in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre, is thrilled to announce Marion Newmanand Continuum Contemporary Music as co-winners of the 2022 Friends of Canadian Music Award. For their emerging artists, they have selected Jessica McMann and Amy Brandon, respectively. Both the winners and the emerging artists will receive a cash prize of $1000.
In addition to recognizing artistic and career accomplishments, the jury – comprised of Mark Takeshi McGregor, Keiko Devaux, Saman Shahi, and Matthew-John Knights – believed it was important for this year’s award to acknowledge the extraordinary events and the important conversations that have taken place in all parts of our community throughout these past difficult few years. They were adamant that, in addition to their successful track records as performers, both Newman and Continuum deserved recognition for stepping up during these difficult times.
Kwagiulth and Stó:lo First Nations, with English, Irish and Scottish heritage, mezzo-soprano Marion Newman has emerged as one of the most important artists working in Canada today. She has been a driving force for truth and reconciliation within the context of classical music, helping lead colleagues and audiences through long overdue discussions about the very nature of what it means to call something “Canadian music.” Newman constantly confronts existing power structures, using every opportunity she can to elevate, empower, and promote new voices, particularly from Indigenous communities. This includes co-founding Amplified Opera, an organisation committed to holding space within the opera community for artists from diverse backgrounds, and serving on the Indigenous Advisory Council of the Canadian Music Centre.
Founded in 1985 as a collective of composers and performers, Continuum Contemporary Music is currently led by Artistic Director Ryan Scott and Operations Manager Christina Volpini. While many organizations successfully pivoted to producing online content during the COVID-19 pandemic, Continuum’s output during this time was nearly unparalleled. By rapidly recognizing the realities of 2020, and adapting accordingly, Continuum was able to present over thirty online concert presentations through their Press Play program, ensuring that both composers and performers could stay connected to their craft, and earn a living. Furthermore, they continued to push forward with their educational initiatives, providing meaningful opportunities for emerging composers and performers while maintaining the safety of all participants, and despite numerous technical challenges.
On behalf of the CLC and CMC membership, we would like to congratulate Marion and Continuum for winning this award, and also to thank them for their dedication to helping build a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable environment in which Canadian music can continue to flourish.
