The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) announces the 2024 recipients of its 3rd Annual Gold Baton Awards sponsored by Gold Royalty Corp, honouring Canadians who have made extraordinary and transformative contributions to our community. “This year, the VSO is thrilled to recognize The Tenors and their inspiring contributions to music and philanthropy. We also award the first-ever Gold Baton in Corporate Leadership to Martin Thibodeau for his visionary work within the banking sector and Vancouver community,” announced Angela Elster, CEO & President of the VSO and VSO School of Music. “The Tenors and Martin join an distinguished group of past recipients including Paul Shaffer, Oscar Peterson, and Measha Brueggergosman-Lee.” The winners will be celebrated at the upcoming Power of Music Gala on Mar. 14 at the Orpheum, with proceeds benefiting the VSO and VSO School of Music.
Gold Baton Award for Music: The Tenors
The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs, outstanding harmonies, and undeniable charm. Clifton Murray, Victor Micallef, and Fraser Walters, (three of the original members), have used their voices to help raise millions of dollars for charities here in Vancouver, in Canada, and across the globe. From the Bulembu Orphanage in Swaziland, VGH, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Gateway for Cancer Research in Arizona, UHN in Toronto, The Katie Piper Foundation in the UK, and so many more, including a new partnership with the Arthritis Society of Canada. With every note, The Tenors including new members Mark Masri and Alberto Urso inspire and unite people from all walks of life through the universal language of music.
The Gemini and Juno award-winning and multi-platinum selling vocal super group have achieved international success, performing thousands of shows around the world. They have performed for 5 Canadian Prime Ministers, 6 US Presidents, The G20 world leaders, and the Royal Family and have been seen on hundreds of TV shows across five continents, including on Oprah with Celine Dion and The NBC Christmas Tree Lighting and Emmy Awards. They recently graced the stages of Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, The Greek Theatre in Sicily, and they were honoured to perform with LANG LANG AT The Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall and at London’s Royal Albert Hall
From classical arias to modern pop classics, their harmonies evoke profound emotions, taking listeners on a spellbinding musical adventure. Performing symphony shows and concert tours, for audiences around the world, their distinct sound reimagines iconic hits and blends classical music, contemporary pop, classic rock, folk, and inspired, self-penned original songs. Through their timeless music and unwavering dedication, The Tenors have become not only musical luminaries but also ambassadors of harmony and unity.
Gold Baton Award for Corporate Leadership: Martin Thibodeau
As Regional President, British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank, Martin Thibodeau leads a team of over 7,500 employees and partners in BC, dedicated to providing financial advice and services to over 1.5 million personal, small business and commercial clients.
An energetic, inspiring, and authentic leader, Martin is very committed to his community and has dedicated his time and skills in service to numerous organizations. Martin is the past Chair of United Way of British Columbia, Chair of the Finance Committee for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Governor of the BC Business Council, sits on the Board of Directors for Science World, Ocean Wise, Peter Dhillon Center for Business Ethics, Urban Development Institute, Arts Umbrella Association and is a member of the Ben-Gurion University Canada Regional Board for BC and Alberta. At RBC, Martin is a passionate Co-Chair of the Diversity Leadership Council for Personal & Commercial Banking.
During his career, Martin has received several distinctions and recognition from his peers, including being recognized as part of the 2023 Business in Vancouver (BIV) BC 500 list, as an influential business leader in the province, being honoured by Ben Gurion University Canada for his commitment to Sustainability and Climate Change, the Alter-Ego Award presented by the Association des femmes en finance du Québec, Global Citizen’s Award, presented by RBC, Pytagore Award from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Performance Award from ESG-UQAM, and Personality of the Year, Financial Institutions from Finance & Investment.
The Power of Music Vancouver Symphony Gala
Presented by Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital
For the first time, the VSO and VSO School of Music’s largest annual fundraiser will take place on Mar. 14, 2024 at the Orpheum, the orchestra’s home since 1977. This event promises a one-in-a-lifetime experience, transforming Vancouver’s architectural landmark into an intimate concert venue for 650 guests with unforgettable performances, fine food and wine, and irresistible auction items. Tickets to this exclusive experience are available for purchase at vancouversymphony.ca/gala.
About Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
About VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 2,000 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
Media Availability
Interviews with The Tenors, Martin Thibodeau, or Angela Elster are available upon request.
Cameron MacRae, Vice President, Marketing & Sales
Email: Cameron.macrae@vancouversymphony.ca Phone: 604.696.4296
