Rush awarded Governor General Performing Arts Award
The Governor General of Canada has given Rush the Performing Arts Award.
Neil Peart's reaction to the award via the Cape Breton Post:
"We are especially appreciative for the presentation of this lifetime achievement award now -- while we are still active (Too active, our families might say!)," said Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in an emailed statement, noting that the band was putting the finishing touches on its 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels," with a fall tour planned.
"Since our performance 'lifetimes' aren't quite over yet, this high honour is not just a reward; it is an inspiration. We will continue to try to earn it."
The awards gala will be held on May 5 at the NAC. Typically, the winning band performs at the gala, according to the Ottawa Citizen.
Other winners include:
- Janina Fialkowska, a classical concert pianist with a 35-year career as an international star.
- Paul-Andre Fortier, a dancer and choreographer who has created 49 original works, including Loin, tres loin for dancer Peggy Baker and Cabane for his own company Fortier-Danse-Creation.
- Denis Marleau, a Quebec theatre director, stage designer and artistic director who is regularly featured at Montreal's Festival TransAm�riques and at festivals around the world, including the Avignon Festival.
- Deepa Mehta, the film director and screenwriter who created Oscar-nominee Water and is to release Midnight's Children later this year.
- Mary Walsh, the Newfoundland-born writer and comedian, who starred in CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Hatching, Matching and Dispatching.
Each laureate receives a cash award of $25,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts and a commemorative medallion struck by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Thanks to Power Windows and Rushisband.com for the head's up!
Labels: awards, Governor General Award