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Calgary artists named to Order of Canada

One Yellow Rabbits’ Denise Clarke and Calgary Opera’s Bob McPhee are among the 90 Canadians named as recipients of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston on December 30.

Clarke (above) was made a member of the Order of Canada for her contributions to dance and theatre in Alberta as an innovative choreographer dancer and director according to the announcement. She has worked with various companies in Canada and Europe including 30 years with local performing arts troupe One Yellow Rabbit . Earlier this year Clarke received an honourary degree from the University of Calgary where she was a sessional instructor from 1980 to 1987. She continues to teach and lecture throughout the country.

McPhee the general director and CEO of Calgary Opera was honoured for his artistic and administrative leadership of Alberta’s arts scene and for his role in developing Canadian talent over more than 25 years. McPhee has earned many awards during his career and is a founding member of the Calgary Arts Development Authority. In August 2013 Calgary Opera launched Opera in the Village the country’s first outdoor professional summer opera festival.

Two other locals named to the Order of Canada include: Joan C. Snyder of Calgary for her contributions as a generous philanthropist who has supported sport education social services the arts and health care in Alberta; and Mary E. Hofstetter former president and CEO of The Banff Centre for her contribution in remodelling the centre into one of the leading arts culture training and eductional institutions in Canada.

The complete list of recipients is available on the Governor General of Canada’s website .

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