Symphony Nova Scotia Music Director to receive honorary doctorate

October 15, 2009 - Halifax, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia Music Director Bernhard Gueller will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Dalhousie University on Saturday, October 17.

Dalhousie University’s honorary degrees are awarded to recognize individuals who, by their example of extraordinary achievements and service to society, provide inspiration and models of leadership and integrity to Dalhousie’s student body. Gueller, who recently renewed his contract with Symphony Nova Scotia for another five years, is recognized for his inspiring leadership of the Symphony and the connection he makes with audiences.

Under Gueller’s direction, Symphony Nova Scotia has been praised artistically as one of the top orchestras in Canada. The orchestra regularly performs in both Halifax and communities across the province, and reaches more than 15,000 young audience members each year with its education and outreach programs. New programs created at Symphony Nova Scotia under Gueller’s tenure include the Musical Munchkins program for three- to five-year-olds, the TD Under-30 Access Pass, annual collaborations with the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and partnerships with local organizations such as Phoenix Youth Programs, the Halifax Pop Explosion, and the IWK.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this degree,” says Gueller. “I see it as a wonderful recognition of the work done by all of us at Symphony Nova Scotia.”

Gueller will accept the honorary degree during Dalhousie University’s Fall 2009 Convocation on Saturday, October 17 at 2:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. Honorary degrees will also be awarded to Ms. Alexa McDonough and Senator James Cowan. For more details, visit http://dalnews.dal.ca/2009/10/14/fall_convo.html.

About Symphony Nova Scotia

Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 15,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or subscribe today!

Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.