Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2010-05-06
Invested on: 2011-09-16
Recognized as our nation's best-known minimalist composer, Ann Southam was praised for the subtlety and emotional character of her music. She was the Toronto Dance Theatre's resident composer for a number of years, and created dozens of original pieces for choreographers and dance companies. Also a generous philanthropist, she was a strong supporter of arts and women's organizations, and was the principal sponsor of the first all-orchestral concert of works by women composers, held in 1998. As well, she was a committed volunteer, notably as a founder and honorary president of the Association of Canadian Women Composers.