Kent Nagano awarded Meritorious Service Medal (May 2018)

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal takes great pride and pleasure in announcing that Maestro Kent Nagano has received the Meritorious Service Medal from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, during a ceremony held in Montreal this evening. Kent Nagano had the following words in response:

“I am honoured today to receive the Meritorious Service Decorations from the Governor General of Canada Julie Payette. I am proud to collaborate with exceptionally talented musicians and with a top-level Chorus, and I am particularly happy about the inauguration of the Maison symphonique in 2011, the acquisition of the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique*, and the projects and initiatives that bring us closer to the community, such as La musique aux enfants and the Classical Spree. Touring projects and large-scale event openings enable me to contribute to the Orchestra’s stature and influence in Canada, the Great North, the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. This medal is a recognition I find deeply touching.”

Meritorious Service Decorations are given to recognize people who have brought remarkable contribution, for a determined period, that bring honour to Canada. The Civil Division recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner, or according to a very high standard: often innovative, this deed or activity sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings benefit or honour to Canada.