Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 6, 1998
• Invested on: October 22, 1998

One of the great pianists of our time, he is also a social activist whose concerts have raised funds for environmental and community groups. His brilliant interpretations in both live performances and sound recordings of the classical masterpieces, including all the Beethoven concertos and sonatas, have received rave reviews. Although he has performed with leading conductors and world-famous orchestras, he has always ensured that classical music is accessible to audiences in smaller centres across Canada. Each summer The Festival of the Sound, which he founded, attracts musicians and listeners to Parry Sound from around the world to experience the beauty of music in the grandeur of nature.