Awards of Distinction

Each year, Choir Alberta honours those who contribute to Alberta’s choral community through the Choir Alberta Awards of Distinction.
All Choir Alberta members are encouraged to nominate individuals and/or organizations for one or more of the Awards of Distinction. Review of nominees will begin on Sep 30 annually.
CHOIR ALBERTA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
​The Choir Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals with a long-established record of excellence who have had a profound influence on choral music in the Province of Alberta. Recipients are selected by a Board-appointed committee from a list of candidates nominated by Choir Alberta members.
2025 Recipient
SHIRLEY PENNER
Shirley Penner is a visionary arts and youth leader whose lifelong dedication has transformed Alberta’s choral and performing arts landscape. A graduate in music, arts, and education from institutions in Chicago and Toronto, with further studies in business and arts administration at Banff Centre and York University, Shirley has excelled as a performer, teacher, producer, and administrator.
After serving as Manitoba’s Cultural Development Officer and founding the renowned Treble-Teens, she moved to Calgary in 1984, later founding Youth Singers of Calgary—now one of Canada’s premier performing arts youth organizations.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Alberta Order of Excellence, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Through her mentorship and leadership, Shirley has inspired generations of young artists to discover confidence, creativity, and community through music.
Past Choir Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award recipients
​Robert de Frece, Dr. George Evelyn, David Ferguson, Madge McCready, Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff
RICHARD S. EATON AWARD
Choir Alberta has awarded the Richard S. Eaton Award of Distinction annually since 1988 in recognition of exemplary service to choral music in the province of Alberta. The award is presented to a person selected by an appointed committee of the Choir Alberta Board from a list of candidates nominated by Choir Alberta members.
2025 Recipient
JEANNIE VANWYNSBERGHE PERNAL
Jeannie Vanwynsberghe Pernal is a visionary conductor, educator, and arts leader whose influence on Alberta’s choral community spans more than three decades. As founder and Artistic Director of the Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir, she has built one of northern Alberta’s most respected musical institutions—shaping generations of young men through excellence in music, mentorship, and community. A graduate of Brandon University’s Bachelor of Music in Music Education program, Jeannie’s career has included leadership roles with St. John’s Ravenscourt School and the Vancouver Children’s Choir before her move to Grande Prairie in 2001. Her expertise as a conductor, clinician, and advocate has inspired singers and colleagues across Canada. Jeannie’s distinguished contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Alberta Choral Federation’s Con Spirito Award, and King Charles III Coronation Medal. Her artistry, vision, and dedication continue to strengthen Alberta’s choral landscape.
Past Richard S. Eaton Award of Distinction recipients
Sherryl Sewepagaham, Adele Armstrong, Heather Bedford-Clooney, Paul Bourret, Debra Cairns, Anne Campbell, Robert de Frece, Malcolm Edwards, Lloyd Erickson, George Evelyn, Laurier Fagnan, David Ferguson, Michel Marc Gervais, Catherine Glaser-Climie, Gordon Hafso, Heather Johnson, Marilyn Kerley, William Lauterbach, Scott Leithead, Madge McCready, Anne McIntyre, Dr. Jonathan Mohr, Douglas Parnham, John Pauls, Shirley Penner, Marilyn Perkins, Elaine Pitt, Soeur Thérèse Potvin, Leonard Ratzlaff, Ardelle Ries, Elaine Quilichini, Timothy Shantz, John Wiebe, Garth Worthington, Trent Worthington
PATRICIA COOK MEMORIAL AWARD
Patricia Cook, Executive Assistant of Choir Alberta (then the Alberta Choral Federation) from 1990-94, inspired this award with her dedication to arts advocacy and to the important role of the arts in education. The award is presented to a person, choir, institution, program or corporation who/which demonstrates an exemplary commitment to music education in schools or the wider community. The recipient is selected by an appointed committee of the Choir Alberta board from a list of candidates nominated by Choir Alberta members.
2025 Recipient
JOHN MORGAN
John Morgan is a dynamic conductor, educator, composer, and arts leader whose creativity and dedication have transformed Calgary’s choral landscape. Serving as Artistic Director of Revv52 and Mount Royal Kantorei, Vocal Director of The Young Canadians, and Music Director at St. Anthony’s Church, John’s leadership spans community, professional, and educational settings. A published composer and sought-after collaborator, his work has been performed by ensembles across North America, including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Through his studio, Morgan Music, he provides full-service direction and production for artists and events, fostering innovation and excellence in every project. John’s contributions have been recognized with Mount Royal University’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2024), a Calgary Award for Community Impact in the Arts nomination, and national acclaim for his inventive virtual choir projects during the pandemic. His artistry, humour, and deep humanity continue to unite and inspire singers across Alberta
Past Patricia Cook Memorial Awards recipients
​Elizabeth Paynter, Violet Archer, Bob Baker, Raymond Baril, Calgary Association for the Development of Music Education, Jean Czaja, Alberta Music Festival Association,  Malcolm Edwards, Richard Ferguson, Susan Fuerbringer, William Edward Hamm, Garth Hobden, Russ Mann, Madge McCready, George Nikel, Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA), Phyllis Schafer, Shared Song - Cantaré Children's Choir and the Calgary Separate School District, Carolyn Steeves, Marni Strome, Bev Sweet, University of Alberta Graduate Program in Choral Conducting, Colleen Whidden​
EARLY CAREER AWARD
Each year, Choir Alberta recognizes an emerging choral conductor in Alberta who is in the early stages of their career. Their energy and passion not only invigorate their choir but also enrich the broader community. The recipient is selected by a Board-appointed committee based on their artistic promise, leadership, and contributions to the choral community.
2025 Recipient
​DANIEL BROWNE
Daniel Browne is an emerging conductor, educator, and cellist whose musicianship and dedication to choral excellence are already shaping Alberta’s choral community. He recently completed his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Alberta under the mentorship of Dr. Tim Shantz, following degrees in Music (Honours), Music Education, and a Minor in French from Memorial University of Newfoundland. An educator with Edmonton Public Schools, Daniel specializes in music and French, inspiring students through creativity and collaboration. An accomplished singer and conductor, he has performed with Shallaway Youth Choir, Newman Sound Men’s Choir, Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, and the MUN Chamber Choir, also serving on Shallaway’s faculty from 2017–2023. Daniel currently serves as Assistant Conductor for Korora Choirs and Conductor of Shumayela, where his artistry and leadership continue to nurture the next generation of singers.
CON SPIRITO AWARD
In celebration of Choir Alberta's 25th Anniversary (1997), the Con Spirito Award recognizes the spirit and dedication of individuals and their commitment to choral music in their local community. A limited number of awards are presented annually to persons selected by an appointed committee of the Choir Alberta Board from a list of candidates nominated by Choir Alberta members. Nominations may be made on the basis of any significant contribution to choral music in any community.
2025 Recipients
KATHRYN PARROTTA, KITBIELLE PASAGUI, JUDITH RAYNER
Kathryn Parrotta is an accomplished conductor, educator, and composer whose leadership and creativity have made a lasting impact on Calgary’s choral community. She serves as Principal Director for the Youth Singers of Calgary Company Choir, directing JUNIOR HI, SENIOR HI, and the Combined Choirs of KIDZXPRESS and JUNIOR HI. She also leads the University of Calgary Chorus and Chamber Choir at the School of Creative and Performing Arts.
​Kathryn’s choirs consistently achieve top rankings at festivals and competitions across North America, recognized for their artistry, precision, and spirit. In 2020, she founded the Calgary Physician Choir, offering healthcare workers a vital creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dedicated mentor, Kathryn teaches private students and is a sought-after adjudicator and clinician throughout Alberta. Her work reflects an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, community, and the power of choral connection.
Kitbielle Pasagui is a Filipino-Canadian soprano, conductor, and educator whose artistry and leadership continue to enrich Alberta’s choral community. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Music, she is an alumna and former soloist of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and has been active in choirs since the age of six.
In 2024, Kitbielle was selected as Apprentice Conductor for the National Youth Choir of Canada, earning national recognition for her skill and musical insight. She serves as Associate Conductor of Korora Choirs, Conductor of Shumayela, and maintains a full voice studio at Purple Door Music Studio.An inspiring clinician and emerging composer, Kitbielle’s works are published with Graphite Publishing, and she continues to share her passion for vocal excellence and community through music-making across Canada and the Philippines.
Judi Rayner, CPA is an Edmonton-based accountant whose dedication to the arts and charitable sectors has profoundly strengthened Alberta’s choral community. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Judi earned a B.A. in English Literature before obtaining her CMA designation in 2001. After many years in public accounting, she redirected her expertise toward the non-profit sector, helping arts organizations build sound financial foundations and long-term sustainability.
Judi’s connection to choral music began through her children’s musical education and grew into decades of service. She has served as Treasurer of Cantilon Choirs since 1999, Treasurer of Choir Alberta for eight years, and works closely with Pro Coro Canada, supporting its operations and artistic goals. Renowned for her precision, integrity, and deep care for the arts, Judi continues to champion Alberta’s choral community through her financial leadership and steadfast volunteerism.
Past Con Spirito Award recipients
Susan Farrell, Paul Grindlay, Jane Perry, Cheryl Balay, Jean-Louis Bleau, Elizabeth DiMarino, Carolyn Olson, Margaret (Peg) Matheson, Heather Johnson, Carol Anderson, Norma Jean Atkinson, Monica Baczuk, Heather Bedford-Clooney, Dr. Joy Berg, Eva Bostrand, Brian Bowman Dave Bray, Sandra Brunelle, Linda Burwell, Donald Buryn, Bruce Cable, ​Mary Carr, Joanne Collier, Cathy de Frece, Robert de Frece, Monica Dear, Kimberley Denis, Leslie Dittman, Lee Dowan, Malcolm Edwards, George Evelyn, Richard Ferguson, Lisa Fielder, Lynne Frances, David Garber, Catherine Glaser-Climie, Val Gondek, John Goulart, Anne Gray, Marc Hafso, Brian Haliburton, Glen Harder, Dr. John Hooper, John and Virginia Hoopfer, Janos Horvath, Nicole Hounjet, Karen Hudson, Norine Inkster, Christina Jahn, Scott Leithead, Elizabeth Lesoway Anderson, Laurier Levasseur, Dr. Mary MacDonald, John Mahon, Mike Mailone, Brian McAuley, Anne McIntyre, Leslie Ann McClosky, Moira Milne, Lorraine Muise, John Murray, Mary Noyes, Anita Perlau, Elaine Pitt, Elaine Quilichini, Leonard Ratzlaff, Flora Rizzuto, Ken Rogers, Barbara Sadler Wells, Alex and Marion Shand, Timothy Shantz, Helen Snortland, Thomas Spila, Jeremy Spurgeon, Paul Sweet, Jordan Van Biert, Jeannie Vanwynsberghe Pernal, Barb Walker, Trevor Waters, James Whittle, David Wilson, Heidi Wood, Michael Zaugg