Last night, I had the great privilege of attending the 24th annual Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards 2016 Gala. I vaguely knew about this event, and was always intrigued by the hype. I didn’t realize the significance of the prestige that comes with becoming a laureate. It’s essentially the highest honour that Canada gives to the performing arts community. That’s kind of a big deal.
Star studded evening
The ceremony was hosted by actor Colm Feore (a.k.a a younger looking version of Richard Jenkins) joined by other Canadian actors such as Paul Gross and Tom Jackson. Ottawa’s Amanda Rheaume open with our national anthem, and Chantal Kreviazuk concluded the show. We also sang Happy Birthday to the Honourable Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who was celebrating his 75th birthday this month! Now that was the best HB song I have ever heard. Choir, harmonies and everything!
The 2016 laureates of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards were:
- Susan Aglukark- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
- Michael Bublé- National Arts Centre Award
- Marie Chouinard- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
- Ben Heppner- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
- John D McKellar- Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts
- Robert Lantos- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
- Suzanne Lebeau- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
The ceremony was very well executed, and told touching and inspiring stories about each award recipient. You can now watch the short films about each recipient too! Follow this tweet for more details.
The latest edition of the @GovGPAA films are now available to watch online! https://t.co/QEVCjs7fIp #ggawards pic.twitter.com/CsWeERUCfx
— National Film Board (@thenfb) June 12, 2016
From musical numbers, and play excerpts, the audience was able to have a taste for what each winner was being recognized for. What really stole the show, was the avant-garde dance performance produced by Marie Chouinard.
Marie Chouinard’s dance company shows us the true power of movement. Amazing! #GGawards pic.twitter.com/hm3OL1ZbfW
— National Arts Centre (@CanadasNAC) June 12, 2016
Although the NAC was in shambles amongst the construction rubble, next year, just in time for the 25th Awards ceremony and the 150th Canada celebration, the NAC will reveal it’s newly renovated facade! I can only hope to attend once again and see it for myself. The NAC will be gorgeous from the outside in!
Fashion at the #GGAwards Gala
If fashion isn’t art, then… I don’t know! Fashion is art, ok! And it’s no wonder the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala places a significant importance on fashion and the red carpet scene. And of course, that’s where I come in!
Although I didn’t get to actually meet these folks, I saw some of Canada’s top fashion influencers including Suzanne Rogers, Suzanne Boyd, Suzanne Timmins, Jessica Mulroney, and Liz Rodbell, president of Hudson’s Bay Co. and coincidentally, one of the featured sponsors of the evening.
My date was Catalina, photographer of MDRN Creative Group. She captured these lovely photos of me at the Gala! Big thanks to you, Cat!
