Governor General celebrates the performing arts at Rideau Hall

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond honoured the recipients of this year’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on May 8, 2009.

Her Excellency and Ms. Gerda Hnatyshyn, the spouse of the late Governor General of Canada Ramon John Hnatyshyn, recognized Mr. James D. Fleck with the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts.

The Governor General honoured Mr. George F. Walker with the 2009 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Her Excellency also recognized Mr. R. Murray Schafer with the 2009 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Recipient Mr. Robert Lepage couldn't attend the ceremony at Rideau Hall. A video of the speech he delivered on April 2, 2009 as he received the Awards from the Governor General during a private ceremony, was shown to recipients and guests.

The Governor General recognizing actress Ms. Clémence DesRochers with the 2009 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Acadian singer Ms. Edith Butler expressed how honored she was to become a recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Her Excellency honoured Ms. Peggy Baker with the 2009 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

The ceremony took place in the Ballroom at Rideau Hall.

The 2009 National Arts Centre Award was given to filmmaker Mr. Paul Gross.