Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2005-06-29
Invested on: 2005-09-09
One of Canada's most visible and world renowned cultural ambassadors, Alexina Louie is a creative force in contemporary classical music. A freelance composer of scores for orchestras, symphonies, dance, film and television, she has received several national and international commissions. Her unique style has evolved over the years as she explored her Chinese roots and developed a deep interest in Asian music. As composer-in-residence at the Canadian Opera Company, she created The Scarlet Princess, a modern interpretation of a 17th-century Japanese Kabuki play. Generous with her time, she has served as a director of a number of arts organizations including Massey Hall, Esprit Orchestra and the Toronto Arts Awards.