Vanier Music grad, Beverley Jean Johnston, appointed Officer of the Order of Canada

Vanier College is thrilled to announce that Beverley Jean Johnston, a Vanier graduate and internationally renowned percussionist, has been appointed Officer of the Order of Canada. Johnston, who was born and raised in Lachine, studied with Lanny Levine at in the Vanier College Music Department from 1974 to 1976, before studying at the University of Toronto.

By the early 1980s, Johnston had already moved to the forefront of the development and promotion of Canadian music, commissioning, performing and recording works by Canadian composers. First, she helped found the Toronto Percussion Ensemble, then in 1983, became the percussionist of ARRAY, Toronto group created to present new works by young Canadian composers. With ARRAY she premiered many works written for the ensemble and for her. Many of those works are now part of the staple of the standard percussion repertory around the world.

As a teacher at the University of Toronto, Johnston inspires budding female percussionists to excel in a generally male-dominated profession.

"The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada or who have brought honour to our country abroad," stated Marie Simon, Governor General of Canada, in a news release.

Congratulations to this exceptional artist.