Award recognizes Mr. Koerner’s lasting contribution to the performing arts
Toronto, ON — Visionary philanthropist Michael M. Koerner, C.M. is the recipient of the 2019 International Society for the Performing Arts’ (ISPA) Angel Award in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the performing arts. The award, which was announced at ISPA’s New York City Congress in January, will be presented to Mr. Koerner onstage at Koerner Hall tomorrow (Friday, April 26) by Luminato’s CEO Anthony Sargent. Inspired by Mr. Koerner’s generosity and transformational philanthropic giving, Mr. Sargent nominated Mr. Koerner for the award. The concert and presentation will be available to view via livestream here.
Says Mr. Sargent:
“Michael Koerner’s generosity has made and will continue to make a profound contribution to the performing arts for generations to come. Michael and Sonja Koerner’s gift to The Royal Conservatory of Music 15 years ago made possible the creation of the jewel-like Koerner Hall, widely considered to be the best concert hall of its size in North America and one of the finest concert halls in the world. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year after a decade presenting spectacularly eclectic, world-class programming, Koerner Hall has formed enduring relationships with many of the most exciting artists in the world in all musical genres. I am very proud that Luminato had this opportunity to honour one of Canada’s most visionary and generous philanthropists.”
The Angel Award is one of many honours Mr. Koerner has received in recognition of his cultural contributions. In 2006 he received the Edmund C. Bovey Award and in 2015, the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts. Mr. Koerner is also a recipient of honorary degrees from Queen’s University and the University of British Columbia and is a Member of the Order of Canada.
“Mr. and Mrs. Koerner have given Toronto and the world an enormous gift,” says Dr. Peter Simon, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO, The Royal Conservatory of Music. “The world’s greatest artists – across a multitude of genres – clamour to perform and record in Koerner Hall. It has a serenity that enables musicians to give us their finest work—they have done so night after night for 10 years.”
ISPA presents the Angel Award annually to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding and enduring contributions to the performing arts, whether as leaders, advocates, innovators, or philanthropists. These contributions transcend the boundaries of one country or institution, and merit international recognition. Past recipients include Dame Vivien Duffield, Barbara Fleischman, Dr. James Fleck, O.C, BMW and the Mellon, Garfield Weston and Mirvish Family Foundations.
About Luminato
Luminato is Toronto’s international festival of arts and ideas dedicated to presenting programming that cuts across traditional artform boundaries. Luminato works closely with Canadian artists to support the development and creation of distinctive new work, as well as presenting today’s most exciting artists from around the world. The 2019 festival runs June 7–23.
Led by CEO Anthony Sargent CBE and Artistic Director Naomi Campbell and Board Chair Peter Herrndorf, CC, OOnt., Luminato is a charitable, not-for-profit, globally-connected cultural organization proudly based in Toronto on the territories of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and most recently Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. For more information, please visit luminato.com.
About The Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performances, and teacher education programs, the Conservatory has had a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people globally. In addition, the organization has helped to train a number of internationally celebrated artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through leadership in music and arts education, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues. For more information, please visit rcmusic.com.
