Officer of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: October 29, 2004
- Invested on: June 10, 2005
Whether appearing with leading orchestras or as a soloist, this celebrated pianist enthralls audiences all around the world. Equally at ease with Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Ravel, André Laplante is known for his fluid, expressive technique, his rich, polished sound, and his fine understanding of the style of works, which he plays with passion and rare eloquence. This virtuoso's career and recordings have been lauded by critics and music-lovers alike. A fine teacher, he is able to convey his love of music and of people. He is also one of the founding members of Piano Six and gives generously of his time to help promote classical music in small communities across Canada.