Established in 2001 to commemorate Choirs Ontario's 30th anniversary, this award recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities.

The Award is presented annually and alternates yearly between those who support choral music -executive directors, administrators, volunteers, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and those who are directly involved in the performance of choral music - singers, conductors, and accompanists. Candidates must have demonstrated an exceptional leadership role, vision and cultural activism and must be nominated by a Choirs Ontario member choir or individual member. In 2010, the award was presented to Gerald Fagan in recognition of his exceptional work within Canada and beyond, and his extraordinary support of Canadian choral music.

In 2011, the award will be presented to a choral music supporter who through their work as an executive director, administrator, volunteer, corporate sponsor, or philanthropist has made a significant contribution to the choral art in his or her community.

THE PROCESS

Candidates must be nominated by a Choirs Ontario member choir or individual member. Each nomination must consist of a completed application form supported by three letters of recommendation and a written submission of not more than three pages outlining the candidate's contribution to the choral art. Complete the attached application form and send it along with supporting documentation to: Presidents' Leadership Award, Choirs Ontario, A-1422 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3A7. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2011.

The Award is juried by a panel of Choirs Ontario past presidents who are appointed by the Choirs Ontario Board of Directors.

ELIGIBILITY

Nominees must be residents of Ontario who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and advanced the role of choral music in their community for a minimum of five years.

THE PRESENTATION

The recipient receives a framed certificate and a Choirs Ontario honorary lifetime membership to be presented at the Ontario Youth Choir 40th anniversary Gala Dinner in Toronto on August 28, 2011.

THE APPLICATION

The current application for the Presidents' Leadership Award can be downloaded here.