Conservatory Canada to honour Helen Dahlstrom with 2013 Honorary Licentiate Diploma

November 9 in London, Ontario

LONDON, ON, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Conservatory Canada is delighted to announce Helen Dahlstrom as the recipient of its 2013 Honorary Licentiate Diploma. The honour will be posthumously presented to Helen's daughter, Carol, at the conservatory's annual Convocation ceremony, held this year in London Ontario on November 9.

Born in 1917 in Saskatchewan, Helen showed early promise as a pianist. Growing up in Radville SK, she travelled regularly to Regina for lessons, earning her Associate diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 13 and her Licentiate diploma one year later.

Helen enjoyed an extensive career as a concert pianist, accompanist, and choral conductor and continued teaching until her retirement in 2009. She served as president of the BC Registered Music Teachers' Association and Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association and was instrumental in starting Canada Music Week.

"Helen's lifelong devotion to the advancement of Canadian music and musicians is an inspiration to everyone at Conservatory Canada," Warwick says. "I think it is very fitting that we are able to honour her remarkable career in this way."

When Helen passed away in July at the age of 96, Conservatory Canada learned that she had asked friends and family to make donations to the organization in her memory.

"There are two aspects of Conservatory Canada that Mom especially appreciated," comments Carol. "Its emphasis on Canadian content and its policy of giving students immediate feedback from the examiner after their examination through mini-lessons - a personal and progressive approach."

This year's Conservatory Canada Convocation ceremony gets underway at 3 pm at London, Ontario's Best Western Lamplighter Inn. The event includes performances by participants of the Lillian & Don Wright National Voice Master Class, followed by a student recital at 5 pm and celebratory dinner.

Each year, the conservatory awards more than 200 medals of excellence and more than $30,000 in scholarships. It also presents Associate and Licentiate Diplomas, including an Honorary Licentiate Diploma awarded to a Canadian who has made a significant contribution to music in Canada. Past Honorary Licentiate recipients include Peter Appleyard (2012), Gwen Beamish (2011), Maureen Forrester (2010), Robert Murray Gordon McConnell (2009), Senator Tommy Banks (2008), Jeff Healey (2007) and Mary Lou Fallis (2006).

About Conservatory Canada
Conservatory Canada is a national charitable organization that focuses on advancing the Performing Arts through music education. With roots dating back to 1891, our accredited centre of excellence promotes musical achievement through a comprehensive program of study, evaluation and recognition for students and teachers in every region of Canada.

SOURCE: Conservatory Canada

Victoria Warwick, Conservatory Canada National Executive Director,
[email protected], 519.433.3147
www.conservatorycanada.ca 
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