Ms. Liona Boyd

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 1981-12-14
Invested on: 1982-10-20
She studied music at the University of Toronto and classical guitar with Eli Kassner and Alexandre Lagoya. Early in her career, she performed at Carnegie Hall and has since toured extensively in America, Europe and Japan. As an interpreter and virtuoso performer of classical works, she has gained world renown. She has begun to compose and perform her own works.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2021-11-16
Liona Boyd, O.C., O.Ont. Toronto, Ontario Liona Boyd is Canada’s “First Lady of Guitar.” With more than 20 albums recorded throughout her career, she has introduced millions of new fans to classical guitar, and her compositions and arrangements offer listeners a unique mix of musical genres. She has delighted audiences around the globe as both a solo artist and featured musician with bands and orchestras. She has remained an active performer since reinventing herself as a singer-songwriter, and continues to participate in benefit concerts supporting myriad charitable causes. This is a promotion within the Order.