Dr. Peter Simon Recognized for his Lifetime Commitment to Fostering the Arts in Canada
Dr. Peter Simon Recognized for his Lifetime Commitment to Fostering the Arts in Canada
Published on June 17, 2022
RCM Board Chair Tim Price and wife, Frances, also receive top honour at annual Business / Arts Awards
Dr. Peter Simon, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory, has been honoured for his exemplary commitment to Canada’s arts sector, receiving the prestigious Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award at the 43rd annual Business / Arts Awards.
The award celebrates an arts leader who has spent a lifetime dedicated to building partnerships and fostering the arts in Canada. Presented annually, the Business / Arts Awards celebrate the power of partnership by spotlighting business leaders, philanthropists, arts leaders, and innovative community partnerships dedicated to strengthening the arts in Canada.
A tireless champion of the arts nationally and internationally, Dr. Simon is celebrating 31 years with The Royal Conservatory. Since beginning his tenure as president and CEO in 1991, he has led a dynamic transformation of the programs and facilities, resulting in a dramatic expansion of the number of participants, earned and donated revenues, endowment funds, and scholarship support for students.
“It is my great pleasure to lead The Royal Conservatory and its mission of developing human potential through music and the arts. I believe that the transformative power of music must be made available to everyone. I am delighted to receive this award, especially as Royal Conservatory Chair, Tim Price, and his wife Frances, are being acknowledged for their immense philanthropic work at the same time. It will be my great honour to receive this award alongside them.”
Dr. Peter Simon
Dr. Simon’s achievements demonstrate a lifetime of advocacy for the arts, based in wide-ranging and effective programs. “From the refurbishment of the historical building on Bloor Street, to the creation of Koerner Hall, The Glenn Gould School, The Taylor Academy and the newly renamed Oscar Peterson School, Peter has orchestrated something extraordinary that is nothing less than a phoenix rising from the ashes,” said Tim Price, Chair, The Royal Conservatory.
“I have met many business leaders throughout my career, and I can say that Peter Simon is that rare breed of leader whose instincts are extraordinary, whose passion is undeniable and whose ability to bring the right combination of people together is key to his, and the RCM’s, success”.
Tim Price and his wife, Frances, were also recognized for their exceptional volunteerism and philanthropy in the arts as the 2022 Edmond C. Bovey Awards Recipients at the Business / Arts Awards. The award recognizes business professionals and/or philanthropists who have demonstrated a lifetime of significant philanthropy and/or volunteer leadership in arts and culture in Canada.
Business / Arts is a national charitable organization that works in partnership with arts leaders, government and the business community to ensure a thriving arts and culture sector. The 2022 award recipients will be honoured at an in-person celebration in September, 2022.