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Ben Heppner, the British Columbia operatic superstar, was one of four Canadians named as a companion of the Order of Canada on Tuesday.
In a ceremony headed by Gov. -Gen. Michaelle Jean, 60 new appointments were made to the Order of Canada, including 14 officers and 42 members. Another of the companions was pop star Celine Dion.
Heppner, whose home is in Toronto, was in New York when the announcement was made, but did not call back with his reaction.
The world-famous heldentenor has become widely accepted as the world's prime Wagnerian singer and one of the best in history. When he came along, it was generally felt that the great golden heldentenors were a thing of the past. Heppner revived an endangered species.
Heppner, 52, was raised in Dawson Creek, studied at UBC, and sang briefly with the Vancouver Chamber Choir. A modest man known for his sense of humour and ability to take himself lightly, he has never forgotten his roots and reappears to sing in Vancouver fairly frequently, as he did last fall for the 100th anniversary of UBC.
Other Vancouverites distinguished as officers (a promotion within the order) were Gary Birch, Iona Campagnolo and Dave Joe.
Chosen as new members were Max Cynader and James Douglas, both of West Vancouver, and Ross Petty.(Lloyd Dykk, The Vancouver Sun, December 31, 2008) |  |
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 |  | | Ideale: Songs of Paolo Tosti 2003 |  | |
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September 11, 2010
Solo Recital
Toronto, ON |
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