Latest news with #ChevalierdesArtsetdesLettres
CNA
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey dies at 90
Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey died at the age of 90 on Aug 11. Choo's son, Dr Yen Choo, told Singapore publication The Straits Times that the conductor died at his summer house in Greece with his wife by his side. Considered one of the most instrumental figures in Singapore's musical scene, Choo Hoey was born in Palembang, Indonesia, in 1934 and moved to Singapore in 1946, where he studied at The Chinese High School. In 1947, he began training under the esteemed violinist Goh Soon Tioe and subsequently studied with numerous prominent musicians worldwide, including Aubrey Brain, Igor Markevitch and Andre Gertler. In 1958, Choo started his career in the Belgian National Orchestra and was reportedly the first Asian musician to conduct a European national orchestra. Ten years later, Choo became the principal conductor of the Greek National Opera. In 1979, he was invited by the Singapore government to become the founding music director and resident conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He was among the first recipients of Singapore's inaugural Cultural Medallion for his contributions to music. Under his leadership, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra made its international debut in Scandinavia. In 1996, he stepped down from his role and was named conductor emeritus. Some of the other accolades received by Choo in his lifetime include the Public Service Star in 1982. He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters of the National University of Singapore in 1989 and was appointed a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 1997.
CNA
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey dead at age 90
Singapore Symphony Orchestra founding music director Choo Hoey died at the age of 90 on Aug 11. Choo's son, Dr Yen Choo, told Singapore publication The Straits Times that the conductor died at his summer house in Greece with his wife by his side. Considered one of the most instrumental figures in Singapore's musical scene, Choo Hoey was born in Palembang, Indonesia, in 1934 and moved to Singapore in 1946, where he studied at The Chinese High School. In 1947, he began training under the esteemed violinist Goh Soon Tioe and subsequently studied with numerous prominent musicians worldwide, including Aubrey Brain, Igor Markevitch and Andre Gertler. In 1958, Choo started his career in the Belgian National Orchestra and was reportedly the first Asian musician to conduct a European national orchestra. Ten years later, Choo became the principal conductor of the Greek National Opera. In 1979, he was invited by the Singapore government to become the founding music director and resident conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He was among the first recipients of Singapore's inaugural Cultural Medallion for his contributions to music. Under his leadership, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra made its international debut in Scandinavia. In 1996, he stepped down from his role and was named conductor emeritus. Some of the other accolades received by Choo in his lifetime include the Public Service Star in 1982. He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters of the National University of Singapore in 1989 and was appointed a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 1997.
CBC
07-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Prime minister appoints Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold to Senate
Dawn Arnold, the mayor of Moncton, has been appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Announced late Friday afternoon, a news release from Trudeau's office described Arnold as "an accomplished public servant with over 30 years of experience in municipal government, community development, and publishing." As mayor, "she championed public engagement and environmental sustainability, guiding Moncton toward rapid growth while fostering a vibrant, inclusive community," the statement said. Arnold will take the spot left vacant by Moncton's Nancy Hartling, who retired from the Senate this year after serving since 2016. Arnold was elected mayor in 2016 after previously serving as a city councillor for four years. In a Facebook post, Arnold said it was an honour to be selected. "The Prime Minister was clear that he expects me to make a significant contribution to the work of the Senate, and to actively be involved in the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing our country," Arnold wrote. "He also underlined the fact that I will be able to contribute to the work of the Senate in an independent and non-partisan fashion, which is highly appealing to me. While my role is changing, my commitment to this city and to all Monctonians remains unwavering." The city's website describes Arnold as a supporter of local arts and culture, serving on the board of the Frye Festival for 15 years. She is a recipient of a number of honours, including the Order of New Brunswick, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal, the YWCA's Women of Distinction Award, and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the Government of France. Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault will be acting mayor, effective immediately, a statement from the city said. Paul Harpelle, spokesperson for Elections N.B., said Moncton will have to wait until May 11, 2026, to fill Arnold's vacancy. Although by-elections are being this spring, Harpelle said the deadline to be included was Feb. 28.
