Winnipeg Symphony honours homegrown talent
WINNIPEG, MB—The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) honoured local singer-songwriter Steve Bell this spring by giving him its Golden Baton Award—an award given annually "to those who have made a significant contribution to the musical life of the community through their artistic excellence or their special support and contribution to the WSO."
The singer-songwriter, who has released 17 albums and performed in 15 countries, first collaborated with the WSO in 2007 for a concert that featured Christmas songs alongside some of his original work, arranged for the orchestra by his long-time collaborator, pianist Mike Janzen.
The WSO gave Bell the award in recognition of his artistic achievement.
"I suppose every musician, formally trained or organically grown, hopes their work will be received as a legitimate, artistic contribution," the 52-year-old says via e-mail. "Awards like the Junos ... wonderful as they are, are competitive and industry driven. This one feels different in that the honour comes as a complete surprise (unsolicited) and comes from a high-art organization. So, it feels deeply affirming to me, and I couldn't be more delighted."
Trudy Schroeder, WSO executive director, told the Winnipeg Free Press in April that Bell is an extraordinary human being.
"He's thoughtful, he's thought-provoking, he's a philosopher who appeals to a lot of people," Schroeder told the Free Press. "He deserves that recognition from the broader community."
Bell describes his experiences with the orchestra as a gift.
"Honestly, I can't even say it is a dream come true because I never dreamed such a thing could happen," he says.
"It thrills me that the WSO was not overly concerned about partnering with someone with such overt faith-content in their music. I've always felt it a shame that faith-based arts have been exiled from the public square; it hasn't always been so. Some of that is self-inflicted for sure, but I'd be quite pleased to see this unfortunate rift healed."
Bell is scheduled to perform another Christmas concert with the WSO on December 1, 2013.
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