John Hess, a Don Wright Faculty of Music professor, has been named one of Canada’s top 50 outstanding musicians who have shaped the country’s music scene and reputation.
The Canadian Music Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In recognition, the CMC lauded 50 outstanding Canadian performers and conductors who have played exceptional roles in shaping the Canadian music scene and raising the profile of Canadian music. The recognition was given at an event Nov. 9 at the National Arts Centre.
Hess is the recognized authority on contemporary opera and song in Canada and is Co-Artistic Director of Toronto’s Queen of Puddings Music Theatre. He has been involved with the creation of many new productions for the Canadian Opera Company and has collaborated with virtually every contemporary opera company in Canada. At the Banff Centre for the Arts, he served as Associate Artistic Director of the 20th Century Opera and Song program.
Hess is equally in demand as a vocal coach and pianist. He works regularly with Ben Heppner in Canada and other recent performances of note include recitals with Measha Brüeggergosman, Jane Archibald and Wendy Nielsen. He is heard regularly on CBC Radio and has recorded numerous CDs, including the complete vocal works of Canadian composer Harry Somers with singers Valdine Anderson, Jean Stilwell and Heppner.
As a member of the music faculty at The University of Western Ontario, Hess directs the first master’s program in Collaborative Piano in Canada. He holds a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Michigan.
A complete list of honorees is at https://musiccentre.ca/50th/CMC-ambassadors.html