Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: November 4, 2009
• Invested on: September 03, 2010

Wayne Strongman is an artistic innovator and a champion of Canadian writers and composers. Founding artistic director of Tapestry New Opera Works, this musician, conductor and choirmaster has commissioned and premiered over 20 new works. He has endeavoured to give opera a broader appeal, particularly to young people, through Opera to Go, an evening series of short, "bite-sized" operas. He also founded Tapestry's Composer-Librettist Laboratory, which fosters new partnerships and professional development. In addition, he is the long-time volunteer choral director of the Regent Park School of Music, in Toronto, where he works with inner-city children.